There are big things expected of Tom Cleverley this season.
Having been on loan at Leicester, Watford and Wigan and served his apprenticeship, it is expected that this will be the season that he is to get chance in United’s first team.
Sir Alex has spoken highly of him as well as Danny Welbeck who impressed out at Sunderland as well as confirming he will play a part in this coming season for United so excitement amongst fans is understandable high.
Loft praise has been forced on him from various quarters as he has been signalled out as a replacement for the now retired Paul Scholes and whilst this may be a daunting proposition for a young player Cleverley is more than happy to accept the challenge and attempt to emulate the United legend.
Speaking to M.E.N Sport ahead of his adventures with England at the u21 European Championships, the midfielder said:
“Paul Scholes’ boots are very big ones to fill.
“He’s been a winner and a great player. Any team is going to miss a player of that ability. But as always somebody has to step up. You hope that given the chance you can, along with everyone else, give something so he is not missed as much.
“I hope I can put my case forward and save the club some money. Wigan have helped me and I feel I am ready to tackle the job at United.
“I know United will be buying players this summer. The reality is that United are the biggest club in the world so they are going to be interested in the best.
“They will be linked with players and they will buy top players. You grow up at the club knowing that will be the case. That is part of the challenge.”
A challenge Cleverley is all to eager to accept and he has been studying the world’s best in an attempt to pass it with ease.
Cleverley was in attendance at Wembley to view Barcelona’s masterclass against United in the Champions League final and was studying the opposition in an attempt to improve his own game.
Ever ready to learn, Cleverley said of Barcelona:
“From my point of view to study at close quarters Messi, Xavi and Iniesta was invaluable. Messi is wonderful but I think I can model my game on Xavi and Iniesta and also Pedro.
“The movement from those guys is incredible. They are not massive physically but they stay on the ball. They shield it so well. They used their body brilliantly.
“I need to get that into my game. My upper body strength has to be better but it is not all about working out in the gym it is also about how you use your body.”
Make Us Proud!
Nice post. I think Cleverley is correct but I doubt if anyone can ever fill Scholescy’s boots. However, I regard him as a big player this term even though a lot of people think that only the new signings are going to play.
come on cleverely this is ur season
Let’s hope Tom hits the ground running, but not too fast.
He’s has been widely championed for a couple of years, and much is expected of him. There is an impatient element to the supporters that can destroy any but the strongest characters. There is always the concern that Smalling or Hernandez might suffer 2nd season form loss, and be vilified for it. Jonny Evans being a case in point. Tom Cleverly has a great future ahead of him, we need to be reasonable in our expectations and demands.