Manchester United reward Valencia with contract extension
Manchester United have triggered a clause in Antonio Valencia’s contract that will see the wing-back remain at Old Trafford for a further year.
Used to a role as winger, Valencia has been a revelation this season at right-back helping United on their current run of 16 matches unbeaten in all competitions.
Valencia signed a three-year deal in 2014 but, with the deal finishing at the end of this season, the Manchester Evening News report that United have chosen to take up their option and keep the Ecuadorian at Old Trafford until summer 2018.
Jose Mourinho has preferred Valencia to Darmian at right-back this term with Valencia offering explosive pace down that side.
New one-year contract for Antonio Valencia. One of United's most consistent players this season. Contract was due to expire in the summer.
— Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonMEN) January 17, 2017
Mourinho is a known admirer of the 31-year-old having admitted earlier this campaign that he tried to sign him while he was boss at Real Madrid.
“I tried to sign Antonio a number of years ago, when I was at Madrid,” Mourinho revealed.
“Even though he was not playing right-back at the time, I thought he could be phenomenal in that position. As it was, United told me ‘no chance!’
“I am not surprised by his form this season. He has been clean of injuries, save for an operation on his arm which did not keep him out for long, and I have also been able to keep him fresh by resting him in certain Europa League games.
“I think he is the right-back to give us the maximum we can in terms of our attacking football.”