Valencia set to leave United in summer

Antonio Valencia is set to leave Manchester United at the end of the season.

The United defender is set to end his ten-year stay at Old Trafford after the club opted against picking up his contract extension for next season. The deadline to exercise the option was 5pm.

Ahead of their clash against Southampton Ole Gunnar Solskjaer spoke on the issue and admitted he was unsure over the future of the club captain.

“At the moment I’m not sure if Man United and Antonio will agree on [a deal for]the next year,” said the interim manager, “He’s not 100 per cent fit, he’s had a fantastic career here at Manchester United and in England.”

The 33-year-old has made just one appearance under Solskjaer. The Ecuador defender has seen his campaign ravaged by injury, his latest setback is a calf problem from which he is currently recovering from in his homeland.

The former Wigan Athletic player has made 338 appearances for United in all competitions to date. He has scored 25 goals and laid on 62 assists in that time.

Since joining from Wigan in 2009 for a fee of £16 million Valencia has won nine trophies including two Premier League titles (2011 & 2013), two League Cup wins (2010 & 2017), an FA Cup victory (2016), he lifted the Europa League in 2017 and also has three Community Shield medals (2010, 2013 & 2016).

He also started in United’s 2011 Champions League final defeat to Barcelona.