Former Wigan Athletic boss Paul Jewell says Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia has a "wicked sense of humour".

Jewell brought Valencia to England from Recreativo Huelva and says the winger has since never looked back.

He told manutd.com: "He was such an intelligent footballer that he just slotted in really quickly," says Jewell. "He's a very intelligent boy. He'd pick up on what I said, even though it was in a Scouse accent. Every day he worked hard, was very courteous, very tough and a terrific pro. As a manager you'd love a team of Antonio Valencias.

"He was suited to English football because he's tough. Not many players come over from Ecuador with a silver spoon in their mouths, and you could see immediately that he was a hard worker and he flourished. Although he didn't say too much, he always had a glint in his eye and a wicked sense of humour - I see him now and I wish he'd smile more because he looks so serious! He's at one of the top clubs in the world, which is no surprise to me because he's that good a player."