The striker's agent, Eduardo Hernandez, is quoted as saying: "Of course he wants to play more, to have more minutes, to participate more, but he wants to do it at United, he wants to defend the title and go far in the Champions League.

"The interest from Valencia was real. He had the chance to speak with the sporting director [Braulio Vazquez] but Javier, I reiterate, wants to stay at Manchester United, this is the challenge.

"He was very grateful to Valencia and the other clubs who called him.

"It's not a question of money - we didn't even talk about that subject, there's only one subject for Javier: he wants to play and be a starter at United.

"He knows it's a very competitive club and that he has to fight to play every day, in the dressing room and on the training ground, but he's not scared, he says he's more motivated than ever.

"His outlook is the same as when he moved to English football; to triumph.

"Now, with the new manager, he has a lot of hopes, a big desire to play and to grow as a footballer. This season is a new challenge for him.

"He wants to triumph in England. He knows that a starting spot comes with working hard and he has to take advantage of the opportunities that come his way, like he did with Alex Ferguson."