Manchester United have to stand up & be counted - Tom Cleverly

Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley has issued a rallying cry to the rest of the stumbling squad, insisting they can’t feel sorry for themselves.

United were left in further disarray after their fourth defeat of 2014 against Chelsea at the weekend. More significantly, they now trail fourth place by six points and missing out on Champions League qualification is unthinkable for David Moyes.

Although they do have the chance to reach a final this week as they welcome Sunderland to Old Trafford for the second leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final. United lost the first leg 2-1 and need to win to reach the Wembley final against Manchester City, who are 6-0 ahead from their first leg with West Ham.

“We can’t let it get our heads down. You have to feel for the new manager. He has had no luck at all,” Cleverley said.

“But we are not going to feel sorry for ourselves.

“We have to stand up and be counted. That starts with the Capital One Cup.”

United will have to beat Sunderland without captain Nemanja Vidic who was sent off in the defeat to Chelsea. They may also be without Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie who have both missed recent matches through injury.

Cleverley has won 35% of his headed duels, winning 6/17.