Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he is unsure whether captain Antonio Valencia will be offered a new contract.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference yesterday, the Norwegian said he is not certain whether a new deal will be agreed between the player and the club:
“At the moment I’m not sure if Man United and Antonio will agree on [a deal for] the next year. He’s not 100 per cent fit, he’s had a fantastic career here at Manchester United and in England. He’s one of the only Premier League winners left in the dressing room.”
Fans on Twitter mostly agree that Valencia’s time at United is coming to an end:
Thanks god! I truly appreciate all the goods things he’s always done for united, but his time has come
— Fred Andrea ?????? (@FredAndrea3) 1 March 2019
Thanks to antonio valencia for his contribution for the club..such a great player..wish u good lucks in ur future.. #GGMU #MUFC
— AlifBurn (@alif_burn) 1 March 2019
It will be a shame to see Valencia go in terms of his longevity to the club, he has been a fine player for us (particularly when he first signed). But he’s probably not far from retirement, been poor for a while and we need to give Dalot a chance to develop and play more #mufc
— Luke- DissectMUFC ? (@DissectMUFC) 1 March 2019
He was a great servant to the club but it is time. We got Young, Dalot and hopefully Fosu Mensah will be back from loan as well.
— Sergee POGBAkov (@sirmelon) 1 March 2019
Let the old man leave
— Daddy K (@childishcheddar) 1 March 2019
We are finally showing signs of moving forward as a club
— PREASHIOUS (@Freshestpresh) 1 March 2019
Good decision. Time for him to go
— Rash (@RashBhana) 1 March 2019
He had about 4-5 very decent seasons at United, not forgetting his first season at the club as a winger. @anto_v25 ✊✊.
— King_Hendrix (@Marky210) 1 March 2019
he was a great player, fast and as hard as nails, unlucky with injuries
— Frank Dunne (@frankdunneTVSM) 1 March 2019
should of left united 4/5 years ago
— james trueman (@jamestrueman10) 1 March 2019
The Ecuadorian international’s current deal ends in the summer and a deadline for the club to trigger their option to extend his contract for a further year expired at 5 pm yesterday.
Valencia has struggled for form and fitness this season. The fullback has made just eight appearances in all competitions.
His only game under Solskjaer was the 2-0 away win against Newcastle at the beginning of January. Since then, the 33-year-old has been sidelined with a knock.
Whether he’ll play for the club again, it remains to be seen. In his ten years at United, Valencia has played 338 times, scoring 25 goals and laying on 62 assists.