Premier League - United complete Valencia swoop

Eurosport - Wed, 01 Jul 10:15:00 2009

Manchester United have made their first signing of the summer after confirming a deal has been done for Antonio Valencia.

FOOTBALL Wigan winger Antonio Valencia, who joined Manchester United - 0

The 23-year-old Ecuador international has signed a four-year contract after moving for an undisclosed fee.

Valencia, who joins from Wigan where he scored three goals last season, is expected to help fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo following the star winger's £80 million move to Real Madrid.

Valencia's signature is reported to have cost United in the region of £16m with the winger describing the move as a "dream".

"Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me," he told the club website.

"I have enjoyed my time at Wigan, but I am thrilled to have the chance to challenge for the biggest honours in club football here.

"Playing in front of 76,000 fans alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs will be an amazing experience. I can't wait to get started."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he had tracked Valencia's progress since his arrival at Wigan two seasons ago.

"Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now, having spent the last two years in the Premier League with Wigan," he said.

"I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team."

PA Sport

Comment 276 - 295 of 335

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  1. u all moan about how many goals he score try looking at­ his other stats compared to ronald defensively ten­ times better fergie is the king

    From lance l, on Wed 1 Jul 8:04AM

  2. Andy - i know you probably didnt mean it but you sound­ like a right tw at.

    From Samaldo, on Wed 1 Jul 8:03AM
  3. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    is he as gay as ronaldo?

    From jon, on Wed 1 Jul 8:03AM

  4. Who cares how many goaLs he scored last season?Why are­ use all worrying abut that for?The guy has been seen­ having talent so thats why he was brought to Old­ Trafford.Now playing under fergie and players like­ Rooney and Giggs he can get better and be a 10-15 goal­ a season player.Ronaldo didint score jack until he came­ to united now loook at him.

    From fanatic_united_fan, on Wed 1 Jul 7:54AM

  5. United needs Benzema or Ribbery to fill the gap left by­ Ronaldo not Valencia who scored only 3 league goals­ last season yet he was almost starting every game.

    From Andrew, on Wed 1 Jul 7:27AM
  6. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    I'm a united fan but I've already accepted that­ our blue city friends will beat us this year and may­ even contest the title..at least the cup will be­ staying in manchester if it happens

    From SEAN DE BURCA, on Wed 1 Jul 7:04AM

  7. 3 goals last season ?????

    From elnino, on Wed 1 Jul 6:54AM

  8. to clarify my previous comment it is a saying and not­ meant to be racial

    From andy, on Wed 1 Jul 6:53AM
  9. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    16 million for a black pudding,has fergie gone mad

    From andy, on Wed 1 Jul 6:50AM

  10. how many goals had Ronaldo Scored when he replaced­ Beckham and Van Nistelrooy?
    Man United has never been­ nor will it ever be a story about a single player....­ United have made the players what they are today...

    From Alien11, on Wed 1 Jul 6:41AM

  11. 296, Mancs wont like you saying it is a 'town',­ it is a city...albeit a @#$% one!

    From Koppite 1973, on Wed 1 Jul 5:54AM
  12. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    why has he gone there for? e should come to a proper­ club like The Villa!

    From David, on Wed 1 Jul 5:44AM
  13. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    Vidic admits the town of Manchester is a dump and his­ wife is unhappy with the lifestyle. I told you guys. ­ The biggest impediment to Manchester United's­ future is the town, not the team. It may finally be­ time for a practice ground in London so the players can­ live in a major city. There's no reason they­ couldn't travel north for matches and then return­ home for the week.

    From icedgrande, on Wed 1 Jul 4:56AM

  14. I wouldn't quarrel with Fergie's judgement. He­ may just prove he is a good judge of talent and make­ this young boy another Ronaldo.

    From Balvin, on Wed 1 Jul 4:50AM
  15. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    OM WETCHAN THA HILS HOV EYES TAY. THON BYES IS WAN­ AGLAY MOLER FACKARS. MAK CERLAS TEAVAZ LACK GARGEASS.

    From Donney, on Wed 1 Jul 4:24AM
  16. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    A SAY,OWLED KAKA LACKS ABAT EMACIATEED AN THON THAR­ PACTURE.

    From Donney, on Wed 1 Jul 4:17AM
  17. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    I OM FAE GLASGAY STEVAN WAT ABOOT YE SANNAY JIM?

    From Donney, on Wed 1 Jul 3:59AM
  18. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    Good signing! A better player than Ribery, in my­ opinion, and at a lower price. I'm sure he'll­ fit in well at Utd. I still think Liverpool will pip­ them to the title next year though!

    From mark_09081984, on Wed 1 Jul 3:27AM
  19. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    DONNY, A CANNA ANDASTAN A THANG YER SAHN MON. WEE YA­ FRAM, GLASGEE?

    From Schmoegler, on Wed 1 Jul 3:25AM

  20. Leave the boss doing his job..as a fans we should­ support what his doing...dont give ur stupid opinion­ and critic the way Sir Alex doing his job....he and his­ staff know better than us as a fans who only can watch­ football...

    From Monkey L, on Wed 1 Jul 3:19AM
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