In his first term at OT, 'Tony' was a revelation on the wing vacated by Cristiano Ronaldo...Story of the season
Far from being eased into life at United following his summer move from Wigan, Valencia was thrust into regular action from the off, and soon vindicated that decision with a string of confident and athletic displays. Assists from whipped-in crosses were his stock-in-trade – and manna from heaven for goal-fixated Wayne Rooney. Valencia weighed in with a few strikes of his own: a delightful effort against Bolton in October was the first of a mid-season cluster which culminated in the winger picking up back-to-back Player of the Month awards on ManUtd.com. He netted a late Champions League winner at CSKA Moscow and was also named Man of the Match in the Carling Cup final. Strength and stamina positioned Antonio as both a go-to man in attack and a useful ally in defence; for virtually all of the season he steered clear of injury to finish as one of the Reds’ top appearance-makers, and was deservedly named in the PFA Team of the Year.
Finest moment
In a perfect illustration of the winger’s art, Valencia destroyed his former club Wigan at Old Trafford in December. After setting up three of the Reds’ first four goals with a devastating combination of power, pace and skill, he rounded off a fine evening’s work by running onto Rooney’s defence-splitting pass to clip home the fifth.
What’s in store?
More of the same, especially after a refreshing, World Cup-free summer. Valencia is still only 24 and his improvement throughout the season was palpable, so expect him to get better still. He’s already more of a goal threat than in his time at Wigan, where he found the net only seven times in three years, and Sir Alex will doubtless challenge the Ecuadorian to increase his tally next term.
Finest moment
In a perfect illustration of the winger’s art, Valencia destroyed his former club Wigan at Old Trafford in December. After setting up three of the Reds’ first four goals with a devastating combination of power, pace and skill, he rounded off a fine evening’s work by running onto Rooney’s defence-splitting pass to clip home the fifth.
What’s in store?
More of the same, especially after a refreshing, World Cup-free summer. Valencia is still only 24 and his improvement throughout the season was palpable, so expect him to get better still. He’s already more of a goal threat than in his time at Wigan, where he found the net only seven times in three years, and Sir Alex will doubtless challenge the Ecuadorian to increase his tally next term.
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