Man. United sign winger Valencia

Manchester United have signed Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia from Wigan Athletic on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee, the Premier League champions said yesterday.

The 23-year-old Valencia, who has played 34 times for his country, joined United as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo who has agreed to move to Real Madrid for a world record transfer fee.

"Playing in front of 76,000 fans alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs will be an amazing experience. I can't wait to get started," Valencia said.

Valencia became United manager Alex Ferguson's first signing since the end of last season, reportedly costing around 17 million pounds ($28.20 million).

"Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now. I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team," Ferguson said.

The Ecuadorian notched up 89 appearances, scoring seven times, after joining Wigan from Spanish club Villarreal in 2006.