Valencia: I'm Really Enjoying My United Career

Antonio Valencia has made a great start to his United career after joining us from Wigan in the summer.

He was voted by our fans as our best performing player in November and December on the club’s official website.

Valencia has today revealed he didn’t expect to get so much playing time this early on in to his United career and sees this as just the start.

“I thought I would be used sparingly at first and then more as I settled in at the club, but as a footballer you train hard so that you’re always prepared to play,” Valencia said. “Then it’s down to the manager to make the decisions, and he has given me lots of opportunities. I’m really enjoying my United career so far, and this is just the start.”

With Valencia taking over the right wing, a position occupied by Cristiano Ronaldo in much of his time at United, people pointed to his poor scoring form for Wigan and scoffed at the idea of him doing it for United. As it is, Valencia is currently our third highest scorer in the league and has more goals this season than other rated wingers like Ashley Young, Lee Milner, Aaron Lennon and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

“I’m getting into the box more than ever before in my career,” said to explain. “I’m encouraged to get forward and there are a lot of balls coming in from the left side, so I’ve been able to get to the far post and get on the end of a few crosses.”