Antonio Valencia may be a name that is unfamiliar to many of Manchester United's worldwide army of fans but before very long it could be one that they come to adore.
Once the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid, for a world record transfer fee of £80m (€93.8m), was confirmed the rumors regarding his replacement began to intensify. And whilst many of the world's most coveted players have been linked with a move to Old Trafford, it seems that Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson knew who his man would be all along.
For barely 20 miles away from the stadium at which 76,000 people regularly watch their heroes competing for soccer's top club honors is the ground of Premiership rivals Wigan Athletic, a place where for 2 years now Ecuadorian international Antonio Valencia has become the hero to Wigans' own fans. And clearly he has had other admirers, the most notable being the man who has led Manchester United to numerous league and cup triumphs since he joined the club as manager back in 1986.
Speaking shortly after signing the 23 year old on a 4 year deal, for a fee believed to be around £16m (€18.88m), a delighted Sir Alex Ferguson had this to say about the man who is hoping to help the Manchester fans forget all about the Portuguese star who they knew in their heart of hearts would one day depart for Spain:
Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now, having spent the last two years in the Premier League with Wigan. I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team.
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan confirmed that there had been contact between his club and officials from Manchester United, over the possible sale of Valencia, during the last 2 to 3 months.
The player himself is obviously very excited at the prospect of pulling on the famous red shirt of a side who have seen their fair share of talented wingers over the years. As reported by the
BBC, after his move to Old Trafford was completed, he was also generous in his praise for Wigan and the opportunity that they had given him to advance his career:
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
As pleased as Manchester United will be at the arrival of Antonio Valencia it seems that at least one of the bigger names rumored to be in their sights may be joining the ex-Wigan man very shortly. For the
London Times has reported a Lyon team mate of French star Karim Benzema confirming that the 21 year old striker is on the verge of a move to Old Trafford for a fee approaching £38m (€45m). But as yet there has been no official word from either Lyon or Manchester United confirming, or denying, that such a deal is imminent.
