Manchester United trigger Antonio Valencia extension clause

Manchester United have triggered a one-year extension clause in the contract of full-back Antonio Valencia.

The 31-year-old has established himself as the first-choice right-back under Jose Mourinho, starting 18 of the club's 21 Premier League games so far this season.

Valencia's deal was due to expire at the end of the current campaign, but the club have now confirmed that they have activated a clause to keep him at Old Trafford until 2018.

The Ecuador international joined the Red Devils from Wigan Athletic in 2009 and has since gone on to make 271 appearances for the club, scoring 21 goals.

Valencia's deal follows in the footsteps of Marouane Fellaini, who also extended his Old Trafford stay by a further year last week.