The Clever(ley) Solution to Manchester United's midfield

On a gloomy evening in May at Wembley, Manchester United were humbled once again, by the mighty Catalan giants, and there were more than a few cries of anguish and a lot more vociferous shouts from many of the Old Trafford faithful for Fergie to go out and buy a truly world-class midfielder.

That voices became more of a frantic appeal when United’s midfield maestro, Paul Scholes announced that he had donned the Red and White colors of Manchester for the last time. Indeed, names such as Wesley Sneijder, Luka Modric and even Samir Nasri were touted as the creative forces who could spur Sir Alex’s side on to European glory.

Sir Alex, as has always been the case, had other ideas. Enter Tom Cleverley. The 22 year old had just returned to Manchester United following successful loan spells at Leicester City; Watford, where he scored 11 goals in 33 league games and was voted as their Player of the Season; and at Premier League outfit Wigan Athletic.

Not many fans were appeased when young Tom was identified by Sir Alex as United’s home-grown replacement to the Ginger Prince. Many doubted Sir Alex’s assessment of Cleverley’s abilities to work in United’s engine-room, especially considering that he has primarily been employed out wide as a winger throughout his fledgling career. Ferguson, the genius that he is, spotted during United’s pre-season American tour that Cleverley has the close-control, the awareness and the energy to be a modern central midfielder.

And Tom hasn’t disappointed. He has shown himself to be a midfielder that demands the ball, plays it quick and always makes himself available for the next pass. It is this modern style to his play that makes him stand out among others. His approach has more than a hint of the Barca ‘tiki-taka’ style of play.

In the Community Shield when United were 2-0 down to arch rivals Manchester City, it was Cleverley that Ferguson introduced, looking for him to change the tempo, which he duly did. From thereon Cleverley went on to start every one of United’s next four games, the run only being brought to an abrupt end at Bolton by a Kevin Davies tackle.

Perhaps to some, the fact that Cleverley has proven that he is capable of playing at Manchester United for the first team is no surprise, but what is surprising is the fact that in only ten Premier League games, it has been established almost beyond refute that Tom Cleverley is not only a capable footballer, but one of pivotal importance to United’s style of play and their success this season.

Eric Harrison, United’s former youth coach who helped bring in the ‘Class of ’92’ had this to say about Tom

“Tom is without question so good that he is the best young player at United since Scholes, Giggs and Beckham came onto the scene. He is so special because he is supremely fit, 100 per cent committed and he is supremely talented. At the start when Tom played, our passing tempo was so quick it was unbelievable. It was just like it has been in the past. I can’t wait to see Tom back because of those quick, short passes and little one-twos, plus his positional play is great.”

That United’s form has deteriorated in the past few weeks and Cleverley has been absent due to injury is no mean coincidence. United’s performances have been labelled unconvincing and shaky. This can, in a large part be attributed to the pairing of Anderson with Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher in midfield, one which is admittedly lackluster and unenergetic and seems to lack the idea to unlocking defences.

Cleverley’s performance in the Community Shield and his subsequent League appearances showed what United have been missing for quite a while in central midfield; energy and a positive mind-set. When Cleverley receives the ball he is always looking to pass and move which is what made United such a handful in their first few games. His work rate is extremely impressive, something which the United midfield has been missing for some time.

Cleverley’s presence also allows others to play their natural game more freely, most notable Wayne Rooney. The United center forward has only scored from open play once since Tom’s been out injured, mainly because he’s been the man to fill his void in a much deeper role.

In terms of being a replacement for Scholes, Cleverley will probably never reach that class, lacking the goal-scoring instinct or long-range passing that Scholes had. Cleverley has worked hard, applying himself in the lower leagues and undergoing a long development curve to get his chance at United, and is now fitting in perfectly.

It only took four starts for him to be given a four year contract. Surely that is enough of an indication to show the United faithful that Ferguson is thinking Cleverley for the future.