Valencia ready to quit
Manchester United club captain Antonio Valencia is considering leaving in January “after becoming disenchanted with life at Old Trafford under Jose Mourinho”, according to reports.
The Times claims the 33-year-old is weighing up his options after falling down the side’s pecking order. The veteran defender started only his seventh game of the season on Wednesday, when United lost to Spanish side Valencia in the Champions League.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Major move on the cards?
The Ecuadorian has “told friends that he fears that he cannot win Mourinho over and is thinking about leaving”, says The Times. Valencia moved to United from Wigan Athletic in 2009 and is the most senior serving player at Old Trafford.
His representatives flew to Manchester this week to “discuss his future”, the newspaper continues, adding that there is a strong possibility of a January exit. As to Valencia’s likely destination, rumours are rife in Ecuador that he will sign for a Major League Soccer side in the US.
Martial on the market?
Valencia is one of nine players whose contracts expire next summer, with Anthony Martial, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Matteo Darmian and Andreas Pereira among those who could depart in June.
The club has one-year options on their contracts, and United are “keen to hand a long-term deal to Martial”, according to The Times. However, he is yet to commit his future to Old Trafford, amid rumours of a possible approach from Arsenal.
Philippe Lamboley, Martial’s agent, has said in the past that the Frenchman wants “to leave Old Trafford”, but United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward hopes to persuade the forward to pen a new deal at the end of this season.
The same goes for Ander Herrera, whose contract runs out in the summer, and negotiations with the Spanish midfielder “are said to be progressing well”.
Discussions with De Gea
As for David de Gea, Woodward is cautiously optimistic that he “will sign a new deal”, despite recent speculation linking him to Juventus and Real Madrid.
United have triggered a one-year extension to the goalkeeper’s current contract, in effect tying him to the club until 2020. This also gives the two parties time to discuss a pay hike.
It is reported that Spanish No. 1 De Gea “wants a contract worth near to that of Alexis Sanchez, who is on about £350,000 per week”.
-
Fit for a king: must-visit palaces around the UKThe Week Recommends Our pick of the nation’s most magnificent residences for nobles and royals
-
Is Andy Burnham making a bid to replace Keir Starmer?Today's Big Question Mayor of Manchester on manoeuvres but faces a number of obstacles before he can even run
-
Christian Brückner: why prime suspect in Madeleine McCann case can refuse Met interviewThe Explainer International letter of request rejected by 49-year-old convicted rapist as he prepares to walk free
-
How do new stadiums affect football clubs?In the Spotlight Everton's decision to move its men's team out of Goodison Park could be a catalyst for vital change, but there are cautionary tales too
-
Liverpool's Anfield redemption: how did they do it?Talking Point Arne Slot's blueprint and standout player performances guide the Reds to record 20th league title
-
Where are all the English football managers?Talking Point Eddie Howe's Carabao Cup success underlines absence of homegrown coaching talent in the Premier League
-
New Trafford: can it fix Manchester United's footballing problems?Talking Point Plan for £2 billion stadium despite staff job losses and lack of success on the pitch
-
Denis Law obituary: fond farewell to 'the King of the Stretford End'In the Spotlight Scottish footballer who was one of Manchester United's 'Holy Trinity' has died aged 84
-
Why Man United finally lost patience with ten HagTalking Point After another loss United sacked ten Hag in hopes of success in the Champion's League
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
