Antonio Valencia: Manchester United captain set to leave after contract extension deadline passes
United had until 5.00pm on Friday to trigger a one-year extension clause in Valencia's contract
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Your support makes all the difference.Antonio Valencia, the Manchester United captain, is nearing the exit door after the club chose not to trigger a one-year extension to his contract.
Valencia’s current Old Trafford deal expires this summer and included an option to prolong his stay, which needed to be activated by 5.00pm on Friday.
United have elected not to extend his terms and Valencia is expected to bring his 10-year stay at Old Trafford to an end.
The 33-year-old Ecuadorian, who is currently sidelined with a calf injury, has made 338 appearances for United since arriving from Wigan Athletic in 2009.
But Valencia has played just once under caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, in the 2-0 victory at Newcastle United on 2 January.
United could still offer Valencia a new contract before the end of the season, but Solskjaer said on Friday that he was not sure whether there would be an agreement.
“He’s still not 100% fit, still working to get back fit and he’s had a fantastic career here at Man United and in England.
“He’s one of the Premier League winners left in the dressing room but I’m not sure if Man United and Antonio will agree on the next year.
“It depends if he gets back on the pitch in the next few months. But he’s the captain, a great servant to the club, so hopefully I can get him on the pitch and show what he can do.”
Valencia is the longest-serving member of the United squad and was promoted to club captain following Michael Carrick’s retirement at the end of last season.
The Ecuadorian has won two Premier League titles in his time at Old Trafford, as well as an FA Cup, two EFL Cups and the Europa League.
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