Is the next goalscoring midfield star already at Man Utd?

Basingstoke born midfielder Tom Cleverley joined Manchester United’s youth setup from Bradford City’s academy at the age of 15. He acquitted himself well at youth level and was promoted to the reserve levels near the end of the 2005/2006 season.

The 2007–08 season marked Cleverley’s emergence as a regular in the Manchester United reserve team. His consistent performances for the reserves earned him the captaincy of the team in the absence of regular captain Sam Hewson, as well as a nomination for the Denzil Haroun Reserve Player of the Year award – he lost out to Richard Eckersley.

He made his first team debut against Kaizer Chiefs in the final of the 2008 Vodacom Challenge, coming on in place of Rodrigo Possebon at half-time, before he scored the third of United’s four goals just after the hour mark.

Cleverly joined Leicester City on loan during the second half of the 2008/2009 season scoring two goals in 15 matches before the loan was cut short through injury.  He then returned to Manchester United for treatment and underwent surgery on his shoulder on 2 April 2009.

Although his loan had ended, Cleverley was presented with a medal on April 24 after Leicester secured their promotion as champions of League One.

Tom Cleverley’s progress was noted by the coaching staff and in order to give him more first team experience, he was loaned out to Watford for a 6 month period, which was then extended to the end of the season.

The 5ft 9in midfielder enjoyed a great season and is widely regarded by Watford fans as being their best, as well as most important player this season scoring 11 goals and making 5 assists. Unfortunately, Cleverley’s loan was again cut short by an injury to his knee ligaments. United fans everywhere should be hoping he recovers well and be sending him positive vibes, because he has a genuine chance of becoming a goal-scoring midfielder for United which is a scarce commodity at the moment.

Ability-wise he ticks off most of the boxes and has a great eye for goal, as well as the correct mindset and  good determination, which should see him in good stead at United.

Here’s a video clip showing some of Tom Cleverley’s goals and assists for Manchester United, England and Watford thus far.