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Valencia’s new deal an unexpected first step in Van Gaal’s revolution Posted: 22 Jun 2014 03:52 AM PDT Antonio Valencia has signed a new three year deal with United which will keep him at the club until 2018.The 28 year old Ecuadorian winger has been a key figure in United's plans since joining from Wigan in 2009 and has made almost 200 appearances for the club but while Valencia has been a regular starter for United in recent years, his goal scoring record is certainly not be the best and he’s somewhat regressed over the last two seasons. The Ecuadorian, however, certainly possesses the right attitude and since arriving at Old Trafford he’s never shied away from responsibilities and his taciturn, yet dependable demeanour has been appreciated by the supporters. A player who is willing to play anywhere, Valencia has never complained when deployed out of position – he’s often been deployed as an auxiliary right-back, a position in which he clearly not at his best, though one which he’s covered because of managerial decisions rather than out of personal demands. Although he may not have had the best season under David Moyes – he’s arguably failed to recover the form he had shown in the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons – he remains the best winger at United’s disposal, extremely more reliable than the petulant Nani and more talented than Ashley Young, a player who, quite simply, is not good enough for Manchester United. Over the last couple of seasons, Valencia has been a shadow of the player who was voted the 2011-12 Manchester United Player of the Year by fans and players, while his goal at Blackburn looked to have clinched the title, and many eyebrows were raised yesterday when it was announced he had signed a new deal, but the Ecuador captain could still prove to be a valuable squad player next season. “I’m really pleased Antonio has signed a new contract. His contribution to the team since he joined the club in 2009 has been fantastic," said Giggs, a man who’s seen Valencia in action every day since the Ecuadorian arrived from Wigan five years ago. “Antonio is a very powerful player with great speed and versatility. He is very professional in his approach to training and I am delighted he has committed his future to the club.” Players often trot out the usual lines after signing a new deal, yet in Valencia’s case one can’t help but thinking playing for Manchester United really has a special meaning for him. “My time at Manchester United has been like a dream come true. To be the first Ecuadorian player to win the English Premier League was a very proud moment for me and for my country. "I am so happy to have signed a new deal and am looking forward to working with Louis van Gaal. There is great team spirit within the club and we are all determined to get back to winning ways." With Louis Van Gaal known for his ability to inject a new lease of life into his players and with Valencia capable of playing in different roles on the right, the Ecuadorian’s new deal might just turn out to be a great piece of business come the end of next season. Daniel Roche O'Rourke (Daniel_ROR)

Van Gaal and Giggs agree priority target Posted: 21 Jun 2014 06:45 AM PDT Although new United manager, Louis van Gaal, is busy chasing World Cup glory with his Dutch side in Brazil, the big Dutchman is still finding time to begin assembling a United team capable of challenging for the Premier League in his first season. RedRants understands van Gaal held recent talks with new assistant manager, Ryan Giggs, about his plan to crack ONE transfer deal before any others are processed. Giggs, we believe, was in full agreement with van Gaal when he revealed the plan and the individual he intends to build United’s attacking play around. The conversation between the two centred around Arjen Robben and the possibility of him making the switch from Munich to Manchester. Both men believe Robben is the player with the ability to transform United into title challengers without even purchasing other targets therefore taking the pressure off subsequent transfers and negotiations. That’s not to say Robben is the ONLY target but the talks were such that, until Robben’s acquisition is secured, no other transfers will happen. If Robben cannot be persuaded to join United, or Bayern simply refuse to sell, Van Gaal and Giggs have contingency plans to build from the back rather than from the front, hence why no deals have been done to-date. Once Robben is either secured or lost, the next phase of their transfer activity will begin; be that supplementary targets to compliment Robben or Plan B entirely. Perhaps, with Van Gaal – and loyal ally Robin van Persie – in close proximity to Robben whilst in Brazil, it’s easy to see how such persuasion may occur. What do you think? Is Robben the key to our transfer activity? Is he the player Van Gaal is placing his faith in capturing to take United where he wants us? Will he even join United if true? Get involved, have your say with MatchChat below. We value your opinion.

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