Manchester United extend Valencia contract by one year

Manchester United have confirmed a clause has been triggered to extend Antonio Valencia’s contract by one year, keeping the experienced Ecuadorian at Old Trafford until at least June 2018.

Valencia has made 271 appearances, scored 21 goals and won six trophies since joining from Wigan Athletic in 2009. He also claimed a hat-trick of individual awards in the 2011/12 season when voted the Fans’ and Players’ Player of the Year, while also winning the club’s Goal of the Season prize.

The 31-year-old has become a vital member of Jose Mourinho’s team by starting 23 matches in all competitions this campaign, enhancing his reputation as one of the finest right-backs around. In recognition of his top form, he was even voted United’s Player of the Month for November by the fans.

Valencia is currently in his eighth season as a Red and this one-year contract extension will take him to the end of the 2017/18 campaign. Using his official Twitter account, Antonio posted: "Another year to give everything for the greatest club in the world @ManUtd. Happy to announce I’ve renew my contract 'til 2018."

Manchester United were denied a penalty against Arsenal – Howard Webb

According to former Premier League referee Howard Webb, Manchester United should have been awarded a penalty for a foul on Antonio Valencia in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal.
United manager Jose Mourinho said in his news conference after the game that he knew whether it should have been given or not — but did not want to say what he thought. The Portuguese added that he wanted to “reaffirm that the referee, Andre Marriner, tried to do his best.”
Valencia had gone to ground in the 35th minute of the game, while the score was 0-0, after Arsenal’s Nacho Montreal put an arm across him.
Webb told BT Sport: “I think on balance it was a penalty. Was it a cast-iron, stonewall penalty? No.
“I saw it in slow-motion and the contact was less significant than I first thought. But do I think Monreal in his attempt to get the ball impeded him? Yes I do. I think it’s a penalty and I’m surprised Andre didn’t give it.
“I don’t think there would have been much reaction if he had and I’m sure [Arsenal manager Arsene] Wenger would have been screaming for it down the other end.”
Mourinho was visibly upset when the decision was not given in his team’s favour but did not direct his emotions at the officials.
United went on to take the lead in the 68th minute from Juan Mata’s strike, but Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud headed in a late equaliser.
United had also been denied a penalty in the previous home game against Burnley, which finished 0-0, and Mourinho had reacted angrily — leading to a one-match touchline ban.