Antonio Valencia close to Manchester United return

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Antonio Valencia could return to the team "in a week or so".

The winger was expected to be sidelined for a month when he injured his hamstring during United's 2-0 win over Ajax in the first leg of their Europa League tie last Thursday.

"[The strikers] will be sorry to see Antonio Valencia injured again because he too provides great service from out on his wing, but it's not a particularly serious injury and he should be back in a week or so," Ferguson told the club's official website.

Valencia joined the Red Devils from Wigan Athletic in June 2009.