Disappointment isn’t the word but lightning can strike twice

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!