Antonio Valencia has signed a new four-year deal with Manchester United. The Ecuador winger, 25, is now tied to the Barclays Premier League champions until the end of the 2014/15 season. Valencia joined United two years ago from Wigan and has gone on to make 69 appearances, scoring 10 goals. Valencia's progress last season was stalled by an ankle injury that sidelined him for five months but, he made a successful return to Sir Alex Ferguson's first team. He was a stand-out performer as United overturned Schalke in the Champions League semi-final and was part of the side defeated by Barcelona in the final. Competition for places has been increased by the signing of Ashley Young from Aston Villa, but Ferguson was delighted to agree terms with Valencia on a new deal. "Antonio has made a fantastic contribution since his arrival. His speed, crossing ability and versatility have been a big asset for us," Ferguson told manutd.com. "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." Valencia added: "I am delighted to stay at United. 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." http://www.sportinglife.com/footbal...ME=soccer/11/08/01/manual_121027.html&BID=165
