Former Manchester United captain backs Red Devils to fight for Premier League title next term

Former Manchester United ace Antonio Valencia spoke exclusively to Andy Mitten ahead of his return to Old Trafford in September for a charity match between Man Utd Legends and Celtic Legends.

Valencia, who spent ten seasons at the Theatre of Dreams and recorded over 300 appearances for the Red Devils, left Manchester in 2019, having racked up six major trophies, including two Premier League titles.

He captained Man United from 2018 to 2019 after Jose Mourinho handed him the armband and was part of the team to lift the Europa League trophy in 2016/17.

Despite departing the club five years ago, Valencia is still attached to United and continues to follow the team’s results.

“When they [Man Utd] lose, it makes me very sad because it’s a team that most of us carry in our hearts,” Valencia replied when asked whether he’s still in touch with his ex-United teammates.

“The other day, I was talking with Fabio, Rafael and Nani. I talk quite a bit with Marcos Rojo, Chiqui and Evra, so we are always in contact.”

Valencia hailed Evra’s well-documented multilingualism.

“He speaks five languages, speaks them all very well.”

The 99-capped former Ecuador international opened up on the two most spectacular moments in the Man Utd jersey.

“I think two beautiful moments I had in Manchester were when we won the Premier League in 2011.

“It was wonderful to look at the medal, the cup, the fans, that feeling of seeing my family in the stadium, so for me, it was beautiful.

“Then I have two more. The Champions League final we played in London. It was sad that we didn’t win, but it was a wonderful experience. I loved it.

“And then when we won the Europa League in Stockholm.”

Valencia was Man Utd’s captain in that final against Ajax, and he recalls the support they had from the stands.

“They supported us all 90 minutes, and then you saw them signing the club’s songs, the cup, the celebration. It was something important for my life.”

Praised for his character and kindness in the dressing room by Ryan Giggs, Valencia named his favourite locker-room mate.

“When I had the opportunity, I opened up a bit more, and we made jokes with Nani. We were always smiling because every time I went to the complex, it was happiness.

“I loved the complex, the team. That has stayed with me.

“Always with much respect for the team’s legends, Giggs, Rooney, Vidic, all those wonderful players who gave me the opportunity to do well in the team.”

Valencia backed Man Utd to recover from years of suffering in 2024/25, highlighting the significance of performing well in pre-season.

“I think everything depends on a good pre-season, good planning, good signings, people who love the team, who have that passion, so I think it will go well for this coming season.”

He also had a message for the Man Utd faithful.

“Trust the team, trust the board and the coaching staff’s work and be sure that we will fight for the Premier League.”