Antonio Valencia says he would return to Manchester United in any role to work under Carrick

Antonio Valencia has made clear he would welcome a return to Manchester United in any capacity, singling out newly appointed manager Michael Carrick as a key reason he would not hesitate to go back to Old Trafford.

The Ecuadorian, who spent a decade at the club between 2009 and 2019, is currently working as a pundit for Telemundo Deportes at the World Cup. Despite enjoying the role, he left no doubt about where his heart lies when asked whether he would consider rejoining United.

“Manchester United is a club that gave me so much,” Valencia told Hajper. “My family was very happy there. I would work for Manchester United in any role, out of passion. It is a club I love a lot. But if they called me, I would go running.”

Valencia shared a dressing room with Carrick for nine years in Manchester and has followed his former teammate’s managerial career closely. Carrick was formally appointed as United’s manager last month after a successful interim period in which he guided the club back into the Champions League and secured a third-place Premier League finish.

“I sent him a message wishing him success,” Valencia said. “Carrick is someone I respect and care about a lot. I wished him success as a coach, and I think it has gone well for him. Things have worked out, and it makes me happy that he is going into another season on the bench.”

Valencia retired in 2021 having made almost 500 career appearances across club and country. At United specifically, he featured 339 times and scored 25 goals, captaining the side during his later years at the club. His trophy haul included two Premier League titles, several domestic cups, and a Europa League winners’ medal — a record that cements his status as one of the club’s most decorated servants of the modern era.

Any potential return would likely be warmly received by the Old Trafford faithful, for whom Valencia remains a deeply respected figure.