Sir Alex
Ferguson believes new signing Antonio
Valencia can help Manchester United to a record fourth
consecutive league title.
Having sold World Player of the Year Cristiano
Ronaldo to Real Madrid for a record £80m, United are
believed to have reinvested around £16m on the Wigan Athletic
winger.
Valencia, 23, is likely to be the first of a handful of new
arrivals at Old Trafford as Ferguson seeks to replace the attacking
threats of Ronaldo and striker Carlos
Tevez, who has opted not to join the Red Devils
permanently.
But despite the prospect of more new names on the way, Ferguson
is already convinced he has secured a player who can have a big
impact on next term's title defence.
"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."
If nothing else, Valencia's arrival ensures Wayne
Rooney should be given the more central berth he craves
next season as the Ecuador star is unlikely to venture into the
middle quite as much as Ronaldo.
As he has already gone through the Premier League settling-in
period after spending two seasons with the Latics, there are no
worries over whether Valencia can adapt either.
His lack of English may be a concern initially, although the
main doubt of most United fans is a goalscoring return of just
seven in 83 appearances for Wigan and four in 34 for his
country.
Even though few would expect Valencia alone to match Ronaldo's
phenomenal recent output, better will be expected from a player who
spent a short time as a team-mate of former United star Diego
Forlan at Villarreal.
Forlan's experience proves players of high quality can struggle
to make an impact at Old Trafford, although Valencia is looking
forward to the opportunity.
"Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me," he
said.
"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.
"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.
"I am happy that the club has benefited from the move
financially because I owe them such a lot. I have had a great time
here."