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Tom Cleverley of Manchester United scores the opening goal past Jussi Jaaskelainen of West Ham United during the FA Cup Third Round on January 5, 2013 in London, England. (Getty Images)
The 2013-14 campaign will give all the Manchester United players a chance to prove themselves to new manager David Moyes, however one player in particular that needs to lift his game is Tom Cleverley. At times seemingly a necessity in the side’s midfield, the talented youngster has shown too much inconsistency of late, and as such, is no longer guaranteed a place in the starting line-up.
After a successful loan spell at Wigan in 2010-11, Cleverley came back to Old Trafford a more confident and rounded player, and immediately slotted into the United midfield. However, injury has plagued the 23-year-old over the last 12 months, with recurring knocks preventing him from stinging together a consistent run of games.
With the injuries, Cleverley’s confidence and belief seems to have taken a knock, and he was not the same player for the second half of last season that United fans had remembered. Sir Alex Ferguson no longer looked to the Englishman in the big games, and Cleverley had to spend a lot of time warming the club’s bench.
However, Cleverley has the ability and box-to-box ability to be a mainstay in the United midfield next season should he return to form. Michael Carrick needs a dynamic and energetic partner in the centre of the park, and Cleverley on his day can provide this. With Paul Scholes‘ retirement, Anderson potentially being sold and Darren Fletcher ill, Cleverley has a glorious opportunity to hold down a regular spot in the Premier League champions starting XI.
An injury free pre-season is the first thing that the England international needs, and to impress his new manager in training. Cleverley’s game time next season will certainly be impacted by United’s transfer policy this summer, as the club look to find a long-term replacement for Scholes. However, if Cleverley can get back to his best, Scholes replacement could be closer to home than most think.
