Manchester United have confirmed that they have triggered the extension in Antonio Valencia’s contract that will keep the Ecuadorian at Old Trafford until the summer of 2018. The former Wigan Athletic winger, whose deal was due to expire after this season will remain at the club for another 18 months, at least.
This news may have been received very differently had Louis van Gaal remained in charge of the club, but Valencia is one of several players that has shown visible improvement under Jose Mourinho since the Portuguese took over in May. He’s become United’s first-choice right back this term, and has thrived in the role. As such, it’s unlikely that many fans (if any) will take issue with the club extending his deal with the club.
Valencia has been at Old Trafford for six and a half years now, having left Wigan in the summer of 2009, and took to Twitter to share his happiness at extending his stay:
Another year to give everything for the greatest club in the world @manutd. Happy to announce I’ve renew my contract 'til 2018 pic.twitter.com/svR2baBFqj
— Antonio Valencia (@anto_v25) January 17, 2017
