Michael Carrick has challenged Tom Cleverley to consistently show why he is so highly rated at the club.
Cleverley has been on a number of loans, impressing away from the club and last year shone as part of the United team that got off to a flying start to the season.
But injuries slowed him down and he finished last term still trying to find his fitness having spent months on the sidelines.
But with an impressive showing at the Olympics, a few of United’s pre season games and an England cap under his belt, Cleverley is fit and ready to star again.
Whilst it is obvious he has the ability, midfield partner Michael Carrick believes that the 23 year old needs to start showing it consistently to get to the next level:
“He’s got the talent and the ability – we’ve all seen that.
“He’s comfortable dealing with the pressures that come with playing for the club. There is no danger about that.
“It’s just about keeping the standards high – we set the standards and the hard part is keeping to that standard consistently.
“There is no magic ingredient. It’s just about learning and getting experience. The more games he plays the better he’ll play.”
Of course Carrick acknowledges the role injuries have played in Cleverley’s career thus far, but hopes that he can steer clear of injuries now as Cleverley bring much to the table for the club:
“Tom is a very intelligent and clever footballer.
“It’s a shame the way his season panned out last year because he started so well.
“He’s got a lot to bring [to midfield].
“That’s one of the good things about our midfielders. We all bring different things when called upon which gives the manager options.
“That is vital given how many games we’re hoping to play this season.”
