Former Wigan Athletic manager Chris Hutchings
believes Antonio Valencia has the credentials to slot seamlessly
into United's first team.
The British tabloids are convinced the Ecuadorian winger will
leave the Latics and join Sir Alex Ferguson's side in the near
future, becoming the club's first signing since the departure of
Cristiano Ronaldo.
While the Portuguese winger's massive contribution will
inevitably be missed, Hutchings is convinced that Valencia is good
enough to make the grade at Old Trafford.
Hutchings told the Wigan Evening Post: "I have always
believed Antonio could quite comfortably slot into one of the top
teams in the world, and go on to perform at the very highest
level.
"He has got everything – very good pace, he crosses a good ball
and he is a very intelligent player. He can also play inside or off
the two strikers as well as playing out wide. We could see the
potential then and he has gone on to play exceptionally well for
Wigan.
"That has led to interest from clubs like Manchester United and
Real Madrid – which shows exactly what a gem Valencia turned out to
be."
Should he validate the tabloids' soothsaying and complete the
short move to Manchester, Valencia will quickly assimilate to life
on and off the pitch in M16, according to Hutchings.
"Antonio is a bright footballing man and he picks things up very
quickly," he said. "He understands the game and other players can
see what a good player he is. His attitude at all times is also
excellent.
"He works very hard and he is a top professional who was very
popular in the dressing room during my time at Latics and will join
in with everything.
"If the lads would organise a go-karting trip he would throw
himself into that, and I think that is very important for foreign
players to do – to try to become a member of the squad off the
pitch as well as on it.
"It's difficult when you don't speak the language but he was one
who always went along to every event and always had a smile on his
face.
"If he could look to improve an area of his game it would be his
goals tally, but it does take time for foreign players to come over
here and settle down completely."
"Antonio has
everything – very good pace, he crosses a good ball and he is a
very intelligent player. He can also play inside or off the two
strikers as well as playing out wide. He is a bright footballing
man and he picks things up quickly."
- Chris Hutchings
