UNITED have made their first signing of the summer after confirming a deal has been done for Antonio Valencia.

The 23-year-old Ecuador international has signed a four-year contract after moving for an undisclosed fee.

Valencia, who joins from Wigan where he scored three goals last season, is expected to help fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo following the star winger’s £80million move to Real Madrid.

Valencia’s signature is reported to have cost United in the region of £16 million with the winger describing the move as a “dream”.

“Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me,” he said.

“I have enjoyed my time at Wigan, but I am thrilled to have the chance to challenge for the biggest honours in club football here.

“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.”

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he had tracked Valencia’s progress since his arrival at Wigan two seasons ago.

“Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now, having spent the last two years in the Premier League with Wigan,” he said.

“I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team.”

Certainly most United fans - and probably Ferguson himself - would be disappointed if there were not further signings by September 1 given the problems he is juggling with.

Potential

As well as Ronaldo, the loss of Carlos Tevez, seemingly bound for rivals Manchester City, leaves another gap.

Karim Benzema has been touted as a potential replacement but has already given vibes he may prefer to go elsewhere, and even then in another year's time.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is another option but the Dutchman is more of a Ruud van Nistelrooy-type figure and Ferguson has been building his teams in a different way of late.

At the back of Ferguson's mind will also be the knowledge Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Edwin van der Sar are all preparing for what is expected to be their final season of top-flight action, with Gary Neville not far behind.

Twelve months ago, United appeared to have the replacements in place but doubts have emerged over Nani, Anderson and Ben Foster, leaving Ferguson with more big decisions to make.

There are further question marks over midfielder Owen Hargreaves, who is hoping to return from two years wrecked by a tendinitis problem, and record signing Dimitar Berbatov, who was inconsistent in his debut season.

How do you think the squad is shaping up? Have your say.