• Premier League

Cleverley can be the difference in title race - Martinez

ESPN staff
December 28, 2011
Tom Cleverley is tipped for a bright Manchester United future © PA Photos
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Wigan boss Roberto Martinez predicts Tom Cleverley will lead Manchester United to Premier League glory ahead of neighbours City in the second half of the season.

Martinez knows Cleverley as well as anybody after the 22-year-old's loan spell at Wigan, and the Spaniard insists the youngster has been a major loss for United's midfield.

The champions pulled level with City at the top of the table with a 5-0 win over Martinez's side on Monday, but the result came without the services of Cleverley who is recovering from an ankle problem.

Prior to his spell on the sidelines, the creative central midfielder was one of the stand-out performers in the early part of the season, and Martinez predicts Cleverley will be the difference when the campaign reaches its climax.

"Tom Cleverley is a player you need to work with to understand the full package," Martinez told The Sun. "The mentality he's got is quite unique. He's a winner and we all see what he can do.

"Tom will be refreshed - and that could be the key for United. He's going to be fully fit and it's going to be like having a new signing. He can make a big impact on the title race."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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