Antonio can make his mark

Report by Steve Bartram

United legend Lou Macari believes Antonio Valencia has a tremendous opportunity to make his mark as a United player.

The Ecuadorian joined the Reds from Wigan earlier this week, becoming the club's first summer signing, and the move was no surprise to Macari.

"There have been lots of rumours but of all the names that were mentioned, Valencia was one that I thought would come off," he told MUTV.

"Valencia's played his part for Wigan, now he's got to do it at Old Trafford. Over the years, there have been players who have done well at other clubs but then it hasn't really happened for them at United. It's a wait and see job, to see how Valencia adjusts to life at Old Trafford, but it's a great opportunity for him.

"A couple of years ago he was doing nothing, but since coming to the Premier League, he's made his mark with Wigan and he'll be hoping to make his mark at Manchester United."

Macari feels Valencia's three years at Wigan make him a suitable acquisition, but takes the majority of the circulating transfer rumours with a pinch of salt.

"I think Premier League experience is a big help," he said. "When you bring in any player from any league, regardless of that player's quality, he's still got to do it in the Premier League which is probably the hardest league in the world to play in week in, week out.