Antonio Valencia has a special history with Manchester United, and the former Ecuador national team captain will once again take part in a new Legends match, this time against Southampton.

Through its official channels, the Red Devils announced that the former player will take part, even sharing a photo of Valencia at Old Trafford.

Messages from United fans quickly appeared, as Antonio Valencia became a reference after winning two Premier Leagues, one Europa League, two Carabao Cups, one FA Cup, and four Community Shields.

Valencia will once again wear the jersey of one of England's most important clubs. The friendly match between Manchester United and Southampton will be on March 28 at St. Mary's Stadium.

Valencia arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2009 with the difficult task of helping fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo's departure. Signed from Wigan Athletic for about £16 million, the Ecuadorian began his tenure as a traditional right winger, characterized by his incredible speed and ability to send precise crosses.

His impact was immediate, earning him a place in the PFA Team of the Year in his debut season and helping the club win the Premier League title in the 2010/11 campaign. He also became the first player from his country to play in a Champions League final that same year at Wembley.

Over the years, Valencia underwent a tactical transformation that redefined his legacy at Manchester United. Under the command of Louis van Gaal and later Jose Mourinho, he successfully transitioned from being an attacking winger to becoming one of the most consistent right-backs in the league. Mourinho even said he was the best in the world at that position during his peak years.

Despite suffering a severe leg injury early in his United career, he showed remarkable durability and discipline, eventually becoming club captain. By the time he left in 2019, he had won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and the Europa League, leaving as a respected veteran who paved the way for South American talent in England.

His dedication on the field earned him the mythical No. 7 jersey, an honor reserved for legends of the Theater of Dreams, although he later returned to No. 25 out of pure humility and personal comfort. 

The Manchester faithful will always remember his power to cover the entire right flank without tiring, being a fundamental piece in the last golden era of Sir Alex Ferguson and an absolute reference for the new generations of Latino players who dream of succeeding in the most demanding European football.

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