Ferguson at bedside to assure Valencia of playing future

Sir Alex Ferguson has assured Antonio Valencia of his playing future

The Daily Mail says Ferguson was at Antonio Valencia’s hospital bedside by 9am yesterday to reassure the Manchester United winger that he still has a future in football.

Valencia was operated on later in the day in Manchester after suffering a horrific double-break and dislocation of the left ankle during the Champions League goalless draw with Rangers at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

Although the Ecuador international faces a struggle to play again this season, Ferguson told him he will make a recovery.

A friend of Valencia told the Daily Mail: "Antonio is devastated and finding it hard to come to terms with what has happened.

"But it cheered him up that Sir Alex came in to see him. He really appreciated that."