Alright, so Manchester United haven't bought a huge star that cost a whole load of money. But Sir Alex Ferguson is a master when it comes to buying players, (that aren't huge stars yet) at reasonable prices. So, for United's first signing of the summer, an Ecuadorian player named, Antonio Valencia.
Here is a little bit about him (if you don't already know him)
His full name is Luis Antonio Valencia Mosquera. He was born in Nueva Loja, Sucumbios, Ecuador on the 4th of August 1985. He started of his career with Caribe Junior in Ecuador in 1999. In 2001 he made a move to El Nacional and spent a total of 5 years there, from 2001 - 2005. He plays mainly in midfield and operates best as a winger.
He made his professional debut for El Nacional in 2003 after spending 2 seasons in the youth squad. He went on to play a total of 84 games and score 20 goals for El Nacional. He also won the Seria A de Ecuador (Ecuador's Premier Division Title) in 2005.
He then transferred to Villarreal in 2005 for £1.2 million but only made 2 appearances and was loaned out to Recreativo de Huelva for the rest of the 2005/2006 season. He play 14 games and score 1 goal for them.
The following season (2006/2007), he was loaned out once again to English Premier Club, Wigan Athletic. He made his debut in their 2-1 defeat to Newcastle on 19th of August 2006. His first goal for Wigan came against Manchester City on the 21st of August 2006, where Wigan ran out 4-0 winners. His loan move was extended for another year (for the following season 2007/2008). After that season, Wigan went on to sign Antonio Valencia on a permanent transfer. He played a total of 89 games and scoring 7 goals for Wigan.
Finally, after much spectulation and rumours, Antonio Valencia cuts short his holiday in his home land to return to England to complete his transfer from Wigan to Manchester United on the 30th of June 2009. The fee was in the region of £16 million. Antonio Valencia went on to say:
"Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me. I have enjoyed my time at Wigan, but I am thrilled to have the chance to challenge for the biggest honours in club football here. Playing in front of 76,000 fans alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs will be an amazing experience. I can't wait to get started."
He has also played a total of 38 games for his country Ecuador, scoring 4 goals. He made his international debut on the 27th of March 2005 in a World Cup Qualifying match against Paraguay. He scored twice in Ecuador's 5-2 win.
I believe that Antonio Valencia is going to be a big hit at Manchester United. Can't wait to see him in action. =)
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