Red Devils seal deal to sign Valencia from Wigan

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Antonio Valencia: Moving to OT

Manchester United have completed the signing of Wigan winger Antonio Valencia, with the player describing the move as a "dream''.

The Ecuador international has been tracked by United for the last 12 months and new Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has been unable to persuade him to stay at the DW Stadium.

United have not disclosed the fee they have paid to the Latics, though it is thought to be around £16m, after signing the player on a four-year contract.

The 23-year-old is the first player signed by Sir Alex Ferguson as they look to replace Cristiano Ronaldo following his £80m move to Real Madrid.

"Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me,'' he told United's official 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 said: "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.''

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Born: 04/08/1985; Lago Agrio, Ecuador
Previous Clubs: El Nacional, Villarreal, Wigan Athletic
International caps: 34 appearances, 4 goals
Wigan Athletic record: 83 appearances, 7 goals

Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia became United's first summer signing in 2009 when he joined the Reds from Wigan Athletic on 30 June.

The skilful 23-year-old can operate on the right wing or in the centre of midfield and has made more than 30 appearances for Ecuador, including one in the 1-0 loss to England in the 2006 World Cup. His performances at the tournament earned him a nomination for FIFA's Best Young Player award and raised more than a few eyebrows among Europe's top managers.

It was Wigan boss Paul Jewell, however, who won the race for his signature and he arrived at the

JJB Stadium on loan that year, having previously enjoyed stints in Spain at Recreativio Huelva (loan) and Villarreal. It was the Yellow Submarine who first spotted his talent, bringing him to Europe from Ecuadorian club El Nacional in 2005.

In his three seasons at Wigan, Valencia made 83 appearances, scoring seven times. One of his most memorable actually came against United, in January 2009 when the Ecuadorian ran riot on the right wing in the Latic's 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford.

Steve Bruce, who spent two years managing Valencia at Wigan, regards him as one of the most exciting prospects in

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the English game. His pace and ability to go past a man and reach the byline were key to Wigan’s rise under Bruce, and his supply to Emile Heskey helped ensure the team’s survival in the top flight in 2007/08.

"Valencia has got that thing which not many players have anymore – the ability to dribble," Bruce said.

"People who can run with the ball, take it up the pitch and beat a man are a dying breed – there aren't many around. We don't produce players who want to dribble, we seem to produce the archetypal steady English player. If a player does want to take his man on and run with the ball,

people will want to pay to go and see him."

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Reds legend Denis Irwin is confident new signing Antonio Valencia will fit right in at Old Trafford.

A speedy and skilful winger, Valencia caught the eye of the former United full-back during his three seasons at Wigan Athletic.

"He’s very direct, you can tell he’s a worker and he’s got great pace," Irwin told MUTV. "He’s a good player and he gives us more options up front.

"I was very impressed with him in the two games I saw him play last season, especially at Old Trafford. I think he’ll be a great signing for us."

Valencia, 23, is most at home out on the right wing, but can also operate as an attacking central midfielder.

The Ecuador international completed his move from Wigan on Tuesday 30 June and is expected to join his new team-mates at Carrington next Monday when the players report back for pre-season training.

omgukilledkenny SG

Sure thats not Nani?

Chris88110 SG

Now to see if he can fill the void

Dead_Man_Inc SG

really look like nani!

anyway, he will take number 7?

Dead_Man_Inc SG

Antonio Valencia left Wigan Athletic today to join Manchester United for an undisclosed fee and has thanked the club for his time there, and hopes that they will at least benefit financially from his departure.

"I hope the fans at Wigan can understand that I am an ambitious guy and a chance like this might never come again for me," he told Athletic's official website.

"I am happy that the club has benefited from the move financially because I owe Wigan such a lot. I have had a great time here."

Valencia also expressed a certain measure of regret at the fact that he would not get the opportunity to work with new Latics manager Roberto Martinez, a man whom he clearly respects as a coach.

"It was Paul Jewell who first took a chance on me and gave me the opportunity to play in England," the player added.

"Chris Hutchings and Steve Bruce helped me to progress and it is a shame I won't get the chance to work with Roberto because he is a great young manager and I'm sure his style of football would have suited me."

And the winger also wished the club all the best in the future, concluding,
"I hope and pray that he will help Wigan progress because this is a great club that really gave me my chance."

sand king SG

Sure thats not Nani?

The fatter version.

marcteng SG

hope that fergie gives Nani another season or two to prove his worth, as he is still young at 22.

Ronaldo also like that when he was his age, lots of dribbling, solo play and steps over.

iceFatboy SG

hope that fergie gives Nani another season or two to prove his worth, as he is still young at 22.

Ronaldo also like that when he was his age, lots of dribbling, solo play and steps over.

maybe, with Ronaldo gone, it is like a shadow off his back and he can start to mature.

Would love Benezema to wear #7.

jonchao72 SG

hmm i have my doubts about this guy...

i doubt he'll do well but only time will tell

marcteng SG

hmm i have my doubts about this guy...

i doubt he'll do well but only time will tell

what abt Nani then lol

He is here for 2 years and still a fringe player

Bus&Soccer l0v3r (VO3x 1) SG

he replaced C.Ronaldo right?

marcteng SG

he replaced C.Ronaldo right?

who Valencia or Nani?

Valencia cant replace Ronaldo lar, he is his own man and happen to play Ronaldo position. But one thing abt Valencia is that he is pacy and a workhorse like Park, who will track back to defend and chase for the ball, unlike Ronaldo