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Antonio Valencia has signed a new contract with Manchester United which will extend his stay at Old Trafford until 2019.
The Ecuadorian right-back was awarded a one-year extension to his existing deal in January but has already re-committed his future to the club, and the new contract carries the option of a further 12-month extension.
Upon the announcement of the deal, Jose Mourinho hailed Valencia’s performances this season, which led to the 31-year-old being voted United’s Player’s Player of the Year.
Show all 22 1 /22Ajax vs Manchester United player ratings Ajax vs Manchester United player ratings Andre Onana - 6 Was little he could have done about United's first but could have more assertive for the second.
Ajax vs Manchester United player ratings Joel Veltman - 6 Got forward well and was quick to press. Solid on the back foot too but could have done more going forward.
Ajax vs Manchester United player ratings Davinson Sánchez - 6 Guilty of some sloppy passing and decision-making but redeemed himself as the game wore on. Notably impressed with two fantastic recoveries to limit the damage.
Ajax vs Manchester United player ratings Matthijs de Ligt - 7 Looked far more assured and confident than his older partner. Firm in his challenges and looked remarkably comfortable going up against United's big names. A few mistakes here and there but a promising display in all.
Ajax vs Manchester United player ratings Jairo Riedewald - 6 Got forward more but his side would have benefited from deliveries.
Ajax vs Manchester United player ratings Davy Klaassen - 6 Had limited say on the game. Kept the Ajax midfield ticking over but it wasn't to be enough.
Ajax vs Manchester United player ratings Lasse Schöne - 6 Enjoyed plenty of possession but, like so many of Ajax's players, struggled to make more of it.
Ajax vs Manchester United player ratings Hakim Ziyech - 6 Did well to open up the game for Ajax with his expansive passing. Unable to offer little more, though.
Ajax vs Manchester United player ratings Bertrand Traoré - 7 One of the few Ajax players capable of penetrating United's backline. Threatened with his pace and weaving runs. Kept United defence on their toes.
Ajax vs Manchester United player ratings Kasper Dolberg - 5 An underwhelming evening from the forward. Had very little impact on the game and looked far too isolated. Taken off after the hour mark.
Ajax vs Manchester United player ratings Amin Younes - 7 Showed his potential early on after getting the better of Herrera with some quick feet. Easy to see what he’s been called up to the Germany squad. Faded as the game wore on though.
Ajax vs Manchester United player ratings Sergio Romero - 6 Rarely tested by the opponents. Safe pair of hands when called upon.
Ajax vs Manchester United player ratings Antonio Valencia - 8 A captain's performance from Valencia. Embraced the responsibility of leading out his men and led by example. Made all the right decisions and was rock for the full 90 minutes.
Ajax vs Manchester United player ratings Chris Smalling - 7 Dominated in the air and impressed with his defensive reading of the game.
Ajax vs Manchester United player ratings Daley Blind - 7 Held his ground at the back and seemed to enjoy his battles with Ajax's front men. Solid throughout. Passing on point, too.
Ajax vs Manchester United player ratings Matteo Darmian - 6 Struggled to cope with Traore's pace for much of the match and was beaten on more than one occasion by the forward. Nothing disastrous, though.
Ajax vs Manchester United player ratings Ander Herrera - 7 Broke up Ajax's play as expected and linked up well with United's players ahead of him.
Ajax vs Manchester United player ratings Paul Pogba - 8 Enjoyed a strong start and went on to dominate from the centre of the park. A fortunate goal but seized the opportunity to get his shot off. He looked fresh, lively and willing to take the game by the scruff of the neck.
Ajax vs Manchester United player ratings Juan Mata - 6 Went under the radar somewhat. Stuck to the basics and drew some fouls but nothing standout from the Spaniard.
Ajax vs Manchester United player ratings Marouane Fellaini - 7 Could have added a third later on in the game but squandered his chance. Aggressive and assured, it was a typical performance from the Belgian.
Ajax vs Manchester United player ratings Henrikh Mkhitaryan - 7 Fulfilled his defensive duties and was a menace going forward. Took his goal to double United's lead.
Ajax vs Manchester United player ratings Marcus Rashford - 7 Lively start but once Ajax adapted to his pace, the youngster became more isolated. Nonetheless, after United’s second he enjoyed a far greater say on the match with his quick running. Excellent first touch on occasion, too.
“It is no secret that I had been an admirer of Antonio's long before I joined the club,” said Mourinho.
“I knew what a fantastic player he was and he has not disappointed me on that front. However, what I could never have imagined was what a great person he is.
“I know I have said this before but I truly believe it is a real privilege for us to have such a good player and such a good man. I am delighted he has extended his contract.”
Valencia arrived at Old Trafford as a winger in 2009, signing for a fee in the region of £16m from Wigan Athletic, and he was voted the club’s Player of the Year during the 2011/12 campaign for his match-winning displays on the right flank.
Manchester United players tweet their joy after Europa League glory After a subsequent period on the peripheries at Old Trafford, Valencia has regained starting status in recent seasons after converting to a marauding full-back.
Valencia made a total of 44 appearances for United this term, scoring once in March’s 3-1 Premier League victory at Middlesbrough.
“Manchester United has been my life since 2009 and I am absolutely delighted to have signed a new contract," said the Ecuador international.
“Wednesday evening provided the one trophy this club had never won and it was a true honour for me to captain the team for the (Europa League) final.
“I would like to thank the manager for the confidence he has given me this season and I am sure that we will be challenging on all fronts next season.
“I would also like to say a big thank you to my family, my team-mates and, of course, the fans for their amazing support.”
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