Valdes joins Man U

MANCHESTER. – Former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes has signed for Manchester United as “the number two goalkeeper”, said manager Louis van Gaal. The 32-year-old Spain international has penned an 18-month deal, with the option of another year.

Valdes had been training with United as he recovered from a serious knee injury after his Barca contract expired.

“I can already see this is a very special club,” said Valdes, who will deputise for David De Gea.

“I worked with Louis van Gaal during my time at Barcelona and to have the opportunity to work with him here at Manchester United is a dream come true.”

Van Gaal said that Valdes had been “very impressive” during training.

“He joins the club as the number two goalkeeper and is a great addition to the first team,” the Dutchman added.

Valdes’s arrival has caused some to question about the future of 24-year-old first-choice goalkeeper De Gea, who was the club’s player of the year last season.

His contract is due to expire in 2016, although senior United sources have said they were relaxed about him signing an extension to that deal.

And Valdes appears happy to deputise for De Gea, telling MUTV: “Always in my career, I have played to help my team-mates, to help my coach and to help everybody. I am a part of the team.”

He added: “I think now, in the moment, De Gea is the best goalkeeper in the world.”

However, Valdes’ arrival could lead to reserve keeper Anders Lindegaard leaving Old Trafford.

The Denmark international (30) arrived in a £3,5 million deal in January 2011 but has made only 19 Premier League appearances.

United’s two other goalkeeping options are 21-year-old Sam Johnstone, who is on loan at Doncaster, and 24-year-old Ben Amos, who was criticised by Van Gaal for letting in Miralem Pjanic’s 60-yard lob against Roma in pre-season.

Before last season started, Valdes confirmed he would leave Barcelona at the end of that campaign.

However, he tore an anterior cruciate ligament in March and missed the World Cup.

Meanwhile, England captain Wayne Rooney has been voted his national team’s player of the year for 2014 after topping a supporters poll.

Although he failed to inspire England to success at the World Cup, it was still a memorable 12 months for the Manchester United striker.

The 29-year-old scored eight goals in 13 appearances and was named England skipper following Steven Gerrard’s retirement from international football.

Rooney also moved to within three goals of Bobby Charlton’s all-time scoring record.

Rooney took 27 percent of the votes from an online poll of supporters club members, more than second-placed Danny Welbeck (11 percent) and third-placed Raheem Sterling (7 percent) combined.

“I’m both very happy and proud to be named the England fans’ player of the year,” Rooney told the Football Association’s website after winning the award for the third time.

“The fact that this award is chosen by the fans makes it even more special, so I would like to thank all those who voted. – BBC Sport- AFP.

“I would also like to thank all the England fans for their support throughout what was a mixed year.

“Receiving an honour such as this from the fans is always something that fills you with personal pride.”

West Bromwich Albion forward Saido Berahino won England’s Under-21 player of the year.