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United Signing Won’t Better Ronaldo Wednesday 1st July 2009
Manchester United have completed the signing of Wigan midfielder Antonio Valencia, but many fans fear that he won’t be good enough to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Ecuadorian has signed a four-year deal at Old Trafford for a fee reportedly in the region of £16 million, after two successful seasons in the Premier League with the Latics.
Fantasy Stakes players will know that 23-year-old Valencia is an excellent top-flight player, but many doubt whether he can fill the void left by Ronaldo.
United’s new signing found the back of the net three times in 31 league games last season, compared to Ronaldo’s remarkable tally of 18 goals from 33 games.
However, with the astronomical fee of £80 million for the Portuguese international, Sir Alex Ferguson has money in the bank to build a squad of very good players rather than a few star individuals.
And fantasy football players will know that Valencia is a player with great potential, likely to grow in stature over the next few years.
The new-signing said: “I have enjoyed my time at Wigan, but I am thrilled to have the chance to challenge for the biggest honours in club football here.
“Playing in front of 76,000 fans alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs will be an amazing experience. I can’t wait to get started.
“I hope the fans at Wigan can understand that I am an ambitious guy and a chance like this might never come again for me.”
With Valencia coming into their side, the Red Devils have a player with bags of energy and ability.
But with Carlos Tevez’s imminent departure from the club, Ferguson will know that his squad needs further strengthening if they are going to challenge for honours next term.
Fantasy Stakes players will know that Valencia won’t be able to rack up as many points as Ronaldo, but he may still be an excellent purchase.
