Antonio Valencia has extended his contract at the club, signing a new four-year deal with Manchester United which was announced earlier today.

The Ecuadorian has impressed in two seasons since joining from Wigan and the news does not come as a surprise nor does the reaction from the player himself:

“I am delighted to stay at United,” Valencia told the club’s official website regarding the news.

“Since my first day at Carrington, I have been happy here. I hope that I can continue to develop as a player.

“I am looking forward to making my contribution to helping this squad compete for more trophies.”

Even with competition for places this season due to Nani, Park Ji-Sung and Ashley Young you get a sense that Valencia once he gets back from his ankle injury which he suffered in his nation’s first Copa America game, will certainly welcome the fight to secure a midfield place this year.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson added: “Antonio has made a fantastic contribution since his arrival. His speed, crossing ability and versatility have been a big asset for us.

“He has a quiet, unassuming way of going about his business, which is underlined by great strength of character as his recovery from such a bad injury last season proves.”

Those comments by Sir Alex sum up just how well Valencia’s done since he joined us in 2009 and that he is going some way of creating a legacy of his own at Old Trafford instead of constantly being in the legacy of Cristiano Ronaldo who of course was United’s star-man on the wing before he left to go to Real Madrid. That wouldn’t be bad for someone who Villareal let go 3 and a half years ago.

By @ADennehey87