Date: 20th February 2012 at 10:30am
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Having been out since October, Thursday’s Europa League tie against Ajax saw the return of Tom Cleverley.

Earlier in the season the midfielder put in a number of impressive displays, earning himself an England call up, before an ankle injury brought his season to a grinding halt.

But the midfielder is finally fit and it is hoped he will play a key part in United’s attempt to retain the title, with a former United stalwart especially interested in how he does.

Nicky Butt is full of praise for Cleverley and feels he can play a key role in United resisting Man City’s attempt to wrestle the league title across to the other side of the city.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Butt said:

“I’ve known Cleverley since he was a kid.

“When I first started my coaching badges at United with Scholesy, Neville, Giggsy and Keaney, they were the team we were taking as 15-year-olds then.

“He was always a bright talent and, since he’s been on loan, he’s come back and been phenomenal really. He needs to keep working hard at it. I’m sure he will as he comes across as a good lad and he needs to listen to the manager, coaches and experienced pros. He can go anywhere really, he’s got that much ability.

“Cleverley is a much better technical footballer than I ever was. It just goes to show how it’s moving on with these players.”

 

One response to ““He can go anywhere really, he’s got that much ability.””

  1. Andrew says:

    We need to be a little patient with the guy. He has been out injured, but his reputation has grown because of the hype of his return. I’m delighted he is back and the manager will be happy to have these Ajax games for him to build his sharpness again. He does need to play football and we have enough of the season left for him to have an impact. Lets not build him up too much though.