LONDON (AFP) - Manchester United signed former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes on an 18-month contract on Thursday.
Valdes left Barcelona, where he had spent his entire career, at the end of last season and has been training with United since October as he recovers from an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered last March.
The deal, which includes an option to extend Valdes' stay at Old Trafford for an extra year, reunites the 32-year-old with Louis van Gaal, United's Dutch manager, who gave the Spaniard his debut during his second spell as coach of Barcelona.
"It is a real honour to sign for Manchester United," Valdes told United's official website.
"I would like to thank Louis van Gaal and the club for allowing me to do my rehabilitation and to train with the team.
"From my short time here I can already see this is a very special club.
"I worked with Louis van Gaal during my time at FC Barcelona and to have the opportunity to work with him here at Manchester United is a dream come true."
Valdes won six league titles, three Champions Leagues and two Copa del Rey crowns during his time at Barcelona, while he was a member of the Spain squad that won the World Cup in 2010 and the 2012 European Championship.
He is expected to provide cover for his compatriot David de Gea, United's first-choice goalkeeper, who has earned plaudits for some stunning performances this season.
"I am delighted Victor has signed for the club. Victor is a very experienced goalkeeper and his record speaks for itself," van Gaal said.
"I have said on many occasions that Manchester United will always be interested in the best players.
"Victor has remained very professional throughout his rehabilitation from injury and has been very impressive during his training sessions with the first team over the past weeks.
"He joins the club as the number two goalkeeper and is a great addition to the first team."
United's other goalkeepers are Denmark international Anders Lindegaard, Ben Amos and Sam Johnstone, who is currently on loan at second-division Doncaster.
