Antonio Valencia to leave Man Utd as club opt against triggering contract extension

On his way: Antonio Valencia
Man Utd via Getty Images

Antonio Valencia looks set to leave Manchester United with the club not expected to trigger the one-year option on his contract.

Friday marks the deadline to extend the right-back’s deal by a further 12 months – but interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits that is unlikely to happen.

The Ecuador international has made only nine appearances this season and is currently out with a calf problem.

His only action under interim manager Solskjaer was in the 2-0 win against Newcastle last month and the Norwegian signalled his likely departure at the end of the season, saying: “He’s not 100 percent fit. He’s working to get fit.

“He’s had a fantastic career at United. He’s one of the Premier League winners still here.

“At the moment I’m not sure if Man United and Antonio will agree on the next year. It depends if he gets back on the pitch.

“He’s the captain, a great servant. Hopefully, I can get him back on the pitch and he can show what he can do.”

Valencia signed from Wigan for £16m in 2009 as the replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo but went on to establish himself as one of the best right backs in the country.

But he has been pushed out of the team by Ashley Young this season and has shown little sign of forcing his way back in.

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