Man Utd hero announces World Cup job weeks after coming out of retirement at 40
The Red Devils ace spent 10 years at Old Trafford.
Former Manchester United ace Antonio Valencia has landed a new job just weeks after coming out of retirement. The 40-year-old spent a successful 10 years with the Old Trafford outfit before returning to Ecuador to finish his career.
Valencia, who also enjoyed a short stint at Wigan Athletic during his time in England, played for LDU Quito and Queretaro before hanging up his boots in 2021. However, he returned to the pitch, albeit not in a professional capacity, earlier this year to feature for the star-studded Wythenshawe AFC.
Fast forward a few weeks and Valencia has announced a new job, with the ex-Red Devils star set to join TV broadcaster Telemundo Deportes as a pundit for this summer’s World Cup. Announcing the news, he said: “I want to thank God for this new stage, and @TelemundoSports for the trust; I’ll try to give my best. See you at the World Cup 2026.”
Meanwhile, Telemundo added: “The Legends team is taking shape! A lot of history and talent in Telemundo’s first expert reveal for the World Cup. Who do you think will complete the team? Enjoy the 2026 FIFA World Cup starting June 11 on Telemundo and Peacock TV.”
Valencia’s professional career spanned a whopping 577 appearances, but he fell just short of making 100 caps for Ecuador, with his final appearance for the national team being his 99th. During his time with United, he won two Premier League titles, two League Cups, one FA Cup and the Europa League.
?????? ¡El equipo de Leyendas va tomando forma!
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) April 27, 2026
Mucha historia y talento en la primera revelación de expertos de Telemundo para el Mundial ⚽??????: ¿Quiénes crees que completarán al equipo? ??????️
?????? Disfruta la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026 a partir del 11 de junio por Telemundo y… pic.twitter.com/pnjR3FGuY2
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Reflecting on his time working with Alex Ferguson, Valencia told The Athletic: “It was different [when Moyes came in]. Ferguson, he had this way of making every player feel important. Then Moyes came and maybe only a certain group of players felt this importance.
"Chicharito did not have the same opportunities to play. Ferguson just had this way of managing the expectations of a player. ‘OK, you aren’t playing this one but I need you ready to score against this team in 10 days.’ This kept players happy.
“Then Moyes came and not everyone could be kept happy, partly because the pressure came very early. But the players have their own responsibility, too. But maybe it’s normal, after 26 years… Ferguson was excellent, a magician as a coach.”
