Date: 27th August 2010 at 6:00pm
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You’ll be hard pressed to find a United fan that doesn’t have high expectations for Tom Cleverley. Coming off a season like his last one where the youngster grabbed 11 goals from midfield for Watford and was named their player of the year, many have high hopes for him.

His performance on United’s US tour didn’t do his reputation any harm and the brilliant individual goal he scored against the MLS All stars confirmed for many how talented he is. A war raged between clubs for his signature as Bolton, Wigan and Newcastle all pulled ahead at one point or another in the race for his signature but they were to be disappointed as Sir Alex pulled a U Turn ad stated that he was good enough to remain at the club and fight for a place in the first team.

Sir Alex’s words filled us fans with encouragement that he would actually be given a fair crack at making a name for himself in the first team this term but two games into the season having seen hide nor hair of him it was announced that he was indeed actually going out on loan again.

Cleverley is a talented player, on Tuesday night in the game against Man City’s “Elite” squad he put in a shift and could have grabbed way more than the one goal he did. He is clearly too good to be languishing on the fringes of the first team and in the reserves (like another player who I’ll get onto later) so whilst I’m disappointed to see him going out on loan again, it is for the best.

Cleverley said himself that playing in the Championship was the making of him and he became a man having to face hostile crowds like those at Elland Road and the New Den so plying his trade in the Premiership this season will further his education thus when he is finally ready to come and actually play rather than be a fringe player he won’t be over awed.

It is said his options are again between Bolton and Wigan and with Wigan possibly selling Charles Nzogbia the DW stadium looks like the better place for him to develop as he is liable to get more games. The fact that they are likely to be embroiled in a relegation battle will also help build character the way facing the crowds at Elland Road and the New Den did. Yet saying that Bolton is a more stable club as Martinez could be sacked at any moment with things not going that well and playing under Owen Coyle will no doubt help with his development as a player. Regardless Tom has shown the capacity to handle himself at the top levels of the game and I have full faith that he can join either team and continue to impress.

Wherever he goes we wish Tom all the best and hope he can repeat the form he showed last season at Watford in the Premier League, if he does he may find himself in Sir Alex’s plans by force!

 

6 responses to “Disappointment isn’t the word but lightning can strike twice”

  1. jonathan says:

    When was this made official? I saw rumour come up again, but not an offical statement.
    If it is the case, I’d be pretty disappointed. Cleverley may have said last year was formative for him (which no doubt it was), but he also more recently said playing one game with our 1st team builds about as much experience as 5 elsewhere.

    That being said, a loan to another team (who will start him) is a better alternative than gathering dust on the bench. I just think we’re being too gun shy with him, and winning player of the year whilst on loan is about the best you can possibly do to prove yourself. He does need work, but I think we’re lowering his development trajectory in loaning him out.

    If he is loaned, it is probably due in part because of Scholes form and that Anderson looks to be back a month early. I guess if Anderson plays up to potential and Cleverley excells on loan, then everyone’s happy; but for now it doesn’t sit right.

  2. jonathan says:

    I would pick Bolton over Wigan though. Better club, better managed and Coyle’s entusiasm for him suggests he’d be a regular.

    http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2010/08/27/2091100/bolton-wanderers-boss-owen-coyle-happy-with-squad-but-would-love-

  3. Believe says:

    omg you really think he going on loan, he aint, it was a sad twat looking for a story so re-writ one thou united have declared that tom will stay with us. cleverley will make a big impact this season at old trafford when given game time by sir alex, the kid is the next big thing, a future talisman of the united midfield, the kid is a star ready to shine and he will this year with us, he play a big role in us winning a major trophy this season…bank on it.

  4. I recall seeing Fergie come out and say he’ll not be loaned a month or so ago and all of a sudden the loan talk has resurfaced. I’ve not found an official word on whether or not he’s going and where he’s going though. I can’t imagine we could afford to sell him without someone else coming in.

    If we do I hope he’ll head off to Bolton. He’ll learn nothing but how to chase blokes with the ball and learn to deal with heavy losses at Wigan.

  5. Yosh says:

    I’d be willing to let him go on loan to Wigan (of all teams) if we can get first choice on buying Victor Mosses when he blossoms.

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