Victor Valdes returns to Manchester United, loan cut short

Víctor Valdés
Víctor Valdés

Manchester United keeper Victor Valdes is on his way back to Old Trafford after his loan spell with the Belgian club Standard Liege was cut short prematurely due to medical issues.

The former Barcelona star failed to make an impact at Old Trafford since signing for them. The Spaniard also fell out with manager Louis Van Gaal and was then banished from the first team.

Valdes was asked to train alone after he refused to play for the U21s to improve his fitness following his injury.

The World Cup winner was desperate for a move away from Manchester United during the summer, but a move to Turkey fell through at the last minute. Manchester United then decided to send the  €120k-a-week star on loan to Standard Liege in January, probably to get his wages off their books.

The Spanish keeper made eight starts for the Belgian club since joining them and has kept just one clean sheet.

The Belgian club have announced that they have decided to cut short Valdes’ loan due to medical reasons. What exactly happened to the player is still unknown, but Standard Liege have released an official statement confirming Valdes’ return to Manchester United.

The club statement read: “As we decided to give more play time to the youth players at the end of the season and because they couldn’t be selected for medical reasons, the Spanish goalkeeper and the Greek midfielder have decided in agreement with the club to finish their loan at the end of this week.”

“Standard Liege wants to thank Ioannis and Victor for everything they did for our club, especially during the successful campaign on the way to the Belgian Cup.”

“We also wish them the best in the rest of their professional career.”

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