Manchester United's Tom Cleverley: "I Chose No. '23' Because David Beckham Wears It At LA Galaxy"

An unclear picture of Cleverley holding the banner

Manchester United‘s youngster Tom Cleverley has admitted that David Beckham was his idol while growing up and he chose to wear the Number 23 jersey for United because Beckham wore it at Real Madrid and still does for LA Galaxy.

“I looked at Scholes and Beckham, top professionals you can model your game on. The manager offered me 22 or 23 before the start of season. I picked up 23 because I prefer wearing odd numbers and also because David Beckham was my idol growing up, and he wore No 23 at Real Madrid and still does with LA Galaxy.”

In an interview with The Sun, the 22 year old said that he did notice the “Who needs Wesley? We’ve got Cleverley” banner put up at Old Trafford by the United faithful. Cleverley, who has been with United since the age of 12, said that he will repay the fans in due time but for now, he would like to keep his head down and concentrate on improving:

“I did notice the banner! Wesley Sneijder is fantastic but if the fans think that I must be doing something right.”

“I have always looked on thinking one day I want to be on the pitch.

“It is happening, but I have got to work hard and stay there. Growing up around Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and David Beckham you know the history of the club.”

Cleverley was all praise for his teammates who have helped him settle in this big club. United have scored 13 goals in their opening 3 premier league fixtures, including an 8-2 scoreline against Arsenal. Cleverley admitted that it is a pleasure to play with world-class players and added that he is confident that this United side would surely win trophies.

“It is a real pleasure to play in a display like that with world-class players. I see in training that we have it in our locker but when it all comes together it is pretty exciting.

“We are a young, high energy team and hopefully we will keep putting on performances like that and the trophies will come. We were ruthless in front of goal.”

“We look good going forward. Our versatility means almost anybody can occupy the forward positions and we can swap about.

“We know each other’s games inside out. It must be a joy to watch.”