Victor Valdes debut: Cambridge vs Manchester United set to be first match for former Barcelona player

Goalkeeper recently signed 18-month contract

Victor Valdes (GETTY IMAGES)

Victor Valdes is expected to make his Manchester United debut on Friday night in the FA Cup tie away to Cambridge United.

The former Barcelona goalkeeper, who won six La Liga titles, three Champions Leagues and two Fifa Club World Cups at his old club, will be between the sticks at the League Two team's Abbey Stadium.

Louis van Gaal is set to give the Spaniard his chance to impress after naming him on the bench for the last two games, the 1-0 defeat to Southampton and the 2-0 win over QPR at the weekend.

For Valdes, it will be his first game since March 2014, and his first since signing an 18-month contract with United. He had been training with the club to get back up to fitness after a serious injury and was a free-agent after seeing out his contract at Barcelona.

Among those expecting Valdes to shine is Chris Smalling, who has been impressed with what he's seen from the 33-year-old. "He is someone that we all look up to through what he’s achieved already in his career, but you can see that he’s nowhere near done yet.

"On the training field he’s so sharp and you can see that he’s very agile. He’s such a great addition and is a name that really belongs here at Manchester United."

Valdes' chances are expected to be limited with current No 1 David De Gea among United's most consistent performers.