Manchester United have extended the deal of Antonio Valencia by an additional year, the club has announced.

The player signed a deal last year to remain at Manchester but the club has activated a clause in his contract.

The revised deal means he would remain until June 2018. The deal is similar to the one offered to Marouane Fellani last week. The former Wigan player was excited at the offer. He confirmed the deal, saying: “Another year to give everything for the greatest club in the world Manchester United. Happy to announce I’ve renewed my contract ‘til 2018.”

Valencia is the first choice right back this term under Jose Mourinho and his switch to the role has made him indispensable in the United set-up. He seems to be flourishing under Mourinho who has openly heaped praises on him severally.

The Portuguese tactician said two months back: “I tried to sign Antonio a number of years ago, when I was at Madrid. Even though he was not playing right back at the time, I thought he could be phenomenal in that position. As it was, United told me ‘no chance!”

Mourinho said he was not surprised by Valencia’s form this term and that he was happy that the player has been “clean of injuries.” He added that Valencia was the best player for them in the right back position in attacking football.

Valencia was the subject of uproar on Sunday when former top referee Howard Webb ruled his cross for United’s equalizer as offside. Howard claimed assistant referee Mick McDonough erred in his decision to let the goal stand, thereby handing the hosts a crucial point. Webb also voiced his concern over the decision of the referee Michael Oliver to rule Wayne Rooney’s tackle on James Milner as just a foul. The game ended 1-1.