• Premier League

Cleverley making up for lost time

ESPN staff
October 9, 2012
Tom Cleverley has rediscovered his form after returning from injury © PA Photos
Enlarge

Tom Cleverley is delighted with the progress he has made for club and country since returning from a lengthy injury lay-off last season.

The Manchester United and England midfielder, 23, missed most of the 2011-12 campaign with foot and ankle injuries, but he has become a key part of Sir Alex Ferguson's plans at Old Trafford this campaign.

And he is also emerging as a permanent fixture in Roy Hodgson's squad for the World Cup qualifiers after reproducing his impressive form on the international stage.

Cleverley said: "Everyone knows I had some injuries last season so to be at United and in the England squad is something that I'm hugely proud of.

"I'm very excited about the future. We have only had the opening couple of months of the season but I have played at massive stadiums in some huge games already. So it is all very good in terms of gaining experience."

Cleverley is also hoping to find the back of the net more regularly after scoring against Newcastle, in the Capital One Cup and Premier League victories.

"It's amazing as the two goals I have scored for Manchester United have both been against Newcastle. But this season it really feels like I am getting into scoring positions," he added. "I got into a couple against them when the ball has been pulled back to me - and all I can do is keep working on my finishing because it is such an important part of any midfielder's game."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices