Although Manchester United are destined for a squad overhaul once Louis van Gaal arrives after the World Cup, it seems that Antonio Valencia is in the long-term plans.
Sky Sports report that winger Antonio Valencia has signed a new three year deal with the club, which would see him stay at Old Trafford until 2018.
Valencia has proved his worth since joining from Wigan back in 2009 and fans regularly look to him to make a difference with his blistering pace and power.
The Ecuadorian wideman endured a below average season along with United in the Premier League, scoring two goals and providing three assists in his 29 appearances under David Moyes. (Squawka)
There have been reports all summer that there will be plenty of players coming and going at Old Trafford but I think it is a wise move by United to keep Valencia.
He is the archetypal old fashioned winger, who sticks to what he knows and utilizes his strengths, like using pace to beat a left-back on the outside and crossing on the move.
Not only that but as we have seen in recent years from the likes of Queens Park Rangers, bringing in lots of new players takes time, for them to gel as a group and to adjust to the league.
But I think van Gaal will enjoy having Valencia in his squad. The Dutchman expects his players to be flexible and if United are chasing the game, Valencia has the ability to act as an over-lapping right-back, right midfield or right wing.
If van Gaal puts faith in Valencia and allows him to do what he does best in an attacking sense, then we will see a completely different player to the one we saw this season.
