Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Ferguson backs Valencia to shine

Wayne Rooney and Antonio Valencia
Rooney and Valencia teamed up for United's second goal against Boca

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes new signing Antonio Valencia will have a big influence on his side next season.

The Ecuador winger, 23, who signed from Wigan for about £16m this summer, scored on his debut in United's 2-1 win against Boca Juniors in a friendly.

"I think he'll figure in many games," said the United manager.

"He is a good athlete, has good power and running ability, as we saw with the way he created a good goal."

Valencia scored 42 minutes into his first game for United in a pre-season tournament in Germany.

606: DEBATE
What will Valencia bring to United?

The midfielder picked up the ball from striker Wayne Rooney, skipped past two Boca defenders before firing a shot from the edge of the area that squirmed under Roberto Abbondanzieri's body and in.

Many believe Valencia will be groomed as a replacement for midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo, who moved to Real Madrid for a world record £80m fee last month.

However, Valencia scored just seven times in 83 games for the Latics and Ferguson is looking for that record to improve.

"We know that when you look at his record at Wigan it is not good in terms of goals," added Ferguson.

"He knows that too, but when we assess the individual parts of his game, his athleticism and the power in his shooting, then why should he not score more goals?

"Maybe the way we play will give him more opportunities to score so therefore we expect more goals from him."

Meanwhile, Anderson gave United the lead against Boca in the four-team tournament at Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena, scoring with a free-kick from outside the right-hand corner of the penalty area.

Federico Insua reduced the deficit in the second half when he volleyed in Gary Medel's right-wing cross.


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