Manchester United midfielder Antonio Valencia's ankle operation a 'success'

Manchester United have confirmed that the surgery on winger Antonio Valencia's injured ankle has gone well. The Ecuador international dislocated and broke his ankle during the Champions League draw with Rangers at Old Trafford on Tuesday night. The winger is facing a lay-off that could potentially last all season, though United maintain that he is in good spirits and hopeful he may yet return before the end of the current campaign.

"A plate has been inserted to stabilise the fracture but there is obvious significant ligament damage that follows a dislocation and he will be out for a good portion of the season," a statement on United's official website reads. "Contrary to recent reports there has been no official contact from the Ecuadorian national team. "Antonio is perfectly fine, very positive and very determined."