Tom Cleverley has been talked about as heir apparent to Paul Scholes numerous times over the past couple of seasons, but he is yet to make an appearance in the United first team, a feat already achieved by the likes of Bebe, Obertan and even 18-year-old prodigy Ravel Morrison.
With Scholes retiring, Hargreaves on his way out of Old Trafford and seemingly a lack of creative talent, there is definitely space for Cleverley in the midfield. But with Ashley Young almost certainly on his way to United and most of us yearning for a Modric/Sneijder/Pastore, can Cleverley make his mark?
I hope, at least, that Cleverley gets a decent chance to show what he can do in our first team.
He has more than served his apprenticeship. After a hugely successful loan spell in the Championship with Watford in 2009-10, Cleverley made the step up, with an equally successful season-long loan at Wigan last season, showing he can score, as well as create goals.
Cleverley will be 22 by the time next season starts and it may be a case of now or never for the young midfielder. Sir Alex is never one to neglect products of the youth system and seems to have lost patience with Darron Gibson so I’m sure Cleverley will get his chance, especially if he impresses with the England U-21’s at the European Under-21 Championships.
The Wigan coaching staff have been raving about Cleverley, with coach Graham Barrow telling the Manchester Evening News:
“Tom is a very talented young man who is heading for the top. I fully expect him to make his mark at Old Trafford and challenge to take up the Paul Scholes role. He’s good enough and a bit special. United have a fine player in their ranks.”
The ambitious midfielder has already spoken about wanting to emulate the German U-21’s and break into the England first team following success this summer and I’m sure a prominent role in the United first team is firmly set in his sights.
another highly over-rated english player…
Really? If anything he is under rated but OK you know best
Pez have you nthis kid play?if not please yutube him or some and take a look for yourself you will see what everyone who have seen him play is talking about,if he was at arsenal every one in England would be talking about him.This boy will be a great player for years to come mark my words.
Jumping on that band wagon are we. I know, Cleverly is soo overrated because we paid 20M for him right? Do one you little Pezent!
Pez you truly are a fool!
Mark my words, Cleverley will be one of the best central midfielders in England in a year or so. He is technically very good, can finish, good work rate, good passer. I expect him to cement his place in the United team within the next year as long as he is given a fair chance.
It is true that english talent is generally overpriced, but that should not refelct badly upon quality youngsters making their way in the game.
You sound bitter pez
Sometimes the best thing to do with Pez is to dispense. (sorry, I love bad jokes)
There was nothing wrong with that 10/10!
I really hope we give Cleverly a fair shot though. To say he’s earned a shot is a gross understatement and I believe he will step his game up even further being surrounded by his United teamates.
Another thought, what role do you think we’ll use him in? Until a year ago, I thought he was an CAM and where I believe he played with Watford. But anything I’ve seen him since with Wigan and U-21, he’s almost always on the wing.
Great to have a versatile player, but we could really use him centrally IMO. I also hope he can thrive there and not just capably fill in.
He looks a terrific prospect for us and needs an opportunity. He can add something more to our midfield next season. He can play anywhere in midfield which is a great asset. I wouldn’t swap him for Jordan Henderson, who I think will be a good signing for Liverpool. However I think if Cleverley was a Wigan player clubs would be willing to pay the similar £15-20 million spent on Henderson.
He should be given a chance in the centre of midfield and hopefully he impresses for England in the under 21 tournament. He can score goals and showed that at Watford and Wigan. Playing with better players like Rooney and Hernandez will only improve him further.
I’m excited that we will have 4 England under 21 players next season in Cleverley, Welbeck, Smalling and hopefully (not jumping too far ahead) Phil Jones. Add to that Ferdinand, Carrick, Rooney and maybe (again not assuming too much) Ashley Young. Its fantastic to have that sort of English spine and its needed at a club like Man Utd.
This lad definetly has the potential to break into uniteds first team. You only have to look at his stats at watford, where he was their highest scorer and player of the season 2009-2010, in what is a very difficult league to play in.
Met this lad on holiday last year when in cyprus and is a level headed nice guy. Firmly believe that clev’s can go on and become a pivotel part in uniteds and englands team in the next 2-3 years. Will become as big as wilshire is with arsenal given the chance.
The real question we should be asking is whats stopping him from leaving his mark? As Paul Scholes leaves a young Cleverly is ushered in. As a footballer he should naturally be competitive and being a Manchester United player makes him even more so. He should be relishing the chance fill the void left in not only every United fans heart but lovers of pure football alike.
If the likes of Bebe and Obertan (waste of Mancunian cash) had bite of the apple Tom should be give his fair chance starting from pre season. Let’s how Clever he would be.