Tom Cleverley
Encyclopedia
Thomas William "Tom" Cleverley (born 12 August 1989) is an English footballer who plays as a midfielder
in the Premier League for Manchester United
.
After starting his career in the youth setup at Bradford City
, Cleverley joined Manchester United at the age of 12. Between 2007 and 2009 he played for Manchester United's reserve team, and occasionally in first team friendly matches. Cleverley was loaned to League One
side Leicester City
at the start of 2009, for whom he made his first Football League appearances, helping the team secure the League One title and promotion to the Championship
. He spent the 2009–10 season on loan with Watford
in the Championship, where he scored 11 goals in 33 league games and was voted as their Player of the Season. On 31 August 2010 he joined Wigan Athletic on a season long loan, where he scored 4 goals in 25 appearances and helped them to avoid relegation on the final day of the season. He returned to Manchester United for the start of the 2011–12 season
and made his first competitive appearance in the Community Shield
victory against .
, Hampshire
, but grew up in Bradford
, West Yorkshire
. He went to Hanson school. He was part of Bradford City's
youth set up and the next summer he joined Manchester United
as a 11-year-old trainee in July 2000. United manager Alex Ferguson
said: "We know all about Cleverley as he's been with us a long time, since he was 12. You get to know their character and temperament." During the 2005–06 season, he made nine appearances for the under-18 side. He also received a taste of reserve team football when he was named on the bench for the team's 4–1 away win over Everton
on 21 February 2006. His first appearance for the reserves came in a 0–0 away draw to Bolton Wanderers
almost a year later, on 15 February 2007, by which time he had become a regular in the under-18 team. However, just over a month later, he suffered a long-term injury and was ruled out for seven months.
He returned to action in October 2007, playing for the reserves in a 1–1 home draw with Liverpool
. The 2007–08 season marked Cleverley's emergence as a regular in the Manchester United reserve team, making 21 appearances as the team went on to win both the Manchester Senior Cup
and the Lancashire Senior Cup
, in which he scored in the final against Liverpool. He also scored his first goals in a Manchester United shirt on 23 January 2008, when he scored both of United's goals in a 2–0 away win over Bolton Wanderers in the Premier Reserve League. 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
.
In recognition of his sterling work for the reserves, on 24 July 2008, Cleverley was called up to the Manchester United first team for the remainder of their tour of South Africa
and the match against Portsmouth
in Nigeria
. 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.
He returned to regular reserve team duty for the 2008–09 season, but was given a first team squad number – 35 – when the first team squad list was announced on 15 August 2008, and was named on the bench for United's League Cup matches against Middlesbrough
and Queens Park Rangers
.
for the remainder of the 2008–09 season and was given the number 7 shirt. He made his debut on 19 January 2009 in a 2–0 away win over Yeovil Town
, coming on as an 85th-minute substitute for Matty Fryatt
. After two goals in 15 matches for Leicester, Cleverley's loan spell came to a premature end after he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury against Colchester United
. 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
.
Towards the end of the season, along with James Chester
and Corry Evans
, Cleverley was nominated by Manchester United reserve team manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær
for the Denzil Haroun Reserve Player of the Year award.
on loan. He was then able to play in the Hornets' match away to Nottingham Forest
that evening. He started the match and was booked within four minutes of the start of the second half, but then sealed a 4–2 win with a goal in the second minute of injury time at the end of the game. He then scored another goal on his home debut four days later, scoring Watford's second goal in a 2–2 draw with Blackpool
, and became Watford's joint-top scorer with the second goal in a 2–0 win over Preston North End
in November. Shortly afterwards, he extended his loan deal at Watford until the end of the 2009–10 season
. Cleverley scored a further five goals in 20 appearances for Watford before a knee ligament injury in April 2010 ended his season prematurely. He went on to win the team's Player of the Season award.
at half-time in the first match of the tour against Celtic
in Toronto
, and scored United's third in a 3–1 win. He then netted his second of the tour on 28 July 2010, scoring United's fourth in their 5–2 win in the 2010 MLS All-Star Game; he controlled Darren Fletcher
's flick into the box before lifting the ball over Wilman Conde's head and side-footing it past Nick Rimando
.
On 31 August 2010, although Cleverley looked destined to stay with United for the season, Wigan Athletic
confirmed they had agreed a season-long loan deal for Cleverley, with Manchester United retaining the option to recall the player from his loan spell in January. On 11 September, Cleverley made his debut for Wigan which was also his Premier League debut, replacing Mauro Boselli
in the 75th minute and assisting Antolin Alcaraz
in a 1–1 home draw against Sunderland
. On 27 November, he scored his first goal for the club, also his first ever Premier League goal, in a 3–1 defeat away to West Ham United
. Seven days later he scored his second for Wigan and first home goal in a 2–2 draw against Stoke City
. However, following a Dubious Goals Panel
ruling, this goal was taken away from Cleverley and credited as a Rory Delap
own goal. In January 2011, Manchester United agreed to let Cleverley stay on loan at Wigan until the end of the season. Cleverley scored the decisive goal in a 2–1 away win over Wolverhampton Wanderers
which lifted Wigan out of the relegation zone. Cleverley was one of Wigan's stand-out performers, and ended the season with 3 goals and 2 assists in 25 Premier League appearances.
' retirement before the 2011–12 season
left an opening in Manchester United's central midfield. Cleverley has been identified by manager Sir Alex Ferguson
as a potential homegrown replacement for Scholes. Cleverley was praised by Ferguson after playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–1 victory over Barcelona
in a preseason friendly match. Ferguson said that Cleverley was United's "best player" against Barcelona and he indicated that there is a strong possibility that Cleverley could be among the starting eleven in the opening round fixture of the Premier League season
against West Bromwich Albion
.
Cleverley made his competitive debut for United in the 3–2 comeback win over derby
rivals Manchester City
in the 2011 Community Shield
. He came on as a second-half substitute for Michael Carrick
after United went 2–0 down at half time, and assisted Nani
's equaliser, after a pass and move build up.
For the 2011–12 season he changed his number to 23 which was previously vacated by Jonny Evans
who took Wes Brown
's old number 6. He started his first Premier League game for Manchester United on 14 August 2011, playing the full 90 minutes away to West Bromwich Albion
in the first game of the 2011–12 season
. After impressing in his opening game, Cleverley started Manchester United's second game of the campaign against Tottenham Hotspur
on 22 August, getting an assist in the process. He played the full game against Arsenal on 28 August 2011, which Manchester United won 8–2. Cleverley sustained a ligament damage in his foot after being tackled heavily by Bolton's Kevin Davies
in the 3rd minute of United's next game, a 5-0 away victory at Bolton Wanderers. It was later confirmed by the club that he would be sidelined for a month with the injury. In October 2011 he signed a new contract keeping him at the club until 2015. On 25th October 2011, Cleverley made his return from injury in the Carling Cup, a 3-0 win against Aldershot Town. He made another appearance 4 days later, away to Everton
. Cleverley played in a more advanced midfield role, linking defence with attack and was arguably Manchester United's best player. He left the field of play after 57 minutes due to an ankle injury, but his performance was later hailed by his manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, as "outstanding".
's England Under-20 team
for the first time on 12 March 2009. However, following a dislocated shoulder suffered while on loan at Leicester City a few days later, he was forced to withdraw from the squad, and was replaced by Leeds United
midfielder Adam Clayton
. Cleverley eventually made his Under-20 debut on 11 August 2009 in a 5–0 friendly win over Montenegro at The Hawthorns
, missing an early penalty but going on to score two second-half goals. He made his England U-21 debut as substitute for Junior Stanislas
in a 2–1 win away to Macedonia on 4 September 2009.
In August 2011, he was called up to the England first-team squad for the friendly against the Netherlands
by Fabio Capello
. But did not end up playing as the game was cancelled on 8 August by the FA
after the riots in London. He received another call-up for the Euro 2012 qualifying matches with Bulgaria and Wales later in September 2011 alongside fellow new England additions and club teammates Phil Jones
and Chris Smalling
but did not end up being in the squad.
Manchester United
's The Sun newspaper the previous August that he had "badgered" a girl for sex in Blackpool. Cleverley was at home with his girlfriend in Manchester when the newspaper said the incident had occurred.
Midfielder
A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role...
in the Premier League for Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
.
After starting his career in the youth setup at Bradford City
Bradford City A.F.C.
Bradford City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, playing in League Two....
, Cleverley joined Manchester United at the age of 12. Between 2007 and 2009 he played for Manchester United's reserve team, and occasionally in first team friendly matches. Cleverley was loaned to League One
Football League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
side Leicester City
Leicester City F.C.
Leicester City Football Club , also known as The Foxes, is an English professional football club based at the King Power Stadium in Leicester...
at the start of 2009, for whom he made his first Football League appearances, helping the team secure the League One title and promotion to the Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
. He spent the 2009–10 season on loan with Watford
Watford F.C.
Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. It is often referred to as Watford F.C., Watford, or by the team's nickname The Hornets . Watford Rovers, Founded in 1881, entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1886, and the Southern League a decade...
in the Championship, where he scored 11 goals in 33 league games and was voted as their Player of the Season. On 31 August 2010 he joined Wigan Athletic on a season long loan, where he scored 4 goals in 25 appearances and helped them to avoid relegation on the final day of the season. He returned to Manchester United for the start of the 2011–12 season
2011–12 Manchester United F.C. season
The 2011–12 season is Manchester United's 20th season in the Premier League, and their 37th consecutive season in the top-flight of English football. United are defending Premier League champions, and will be aiming for an unprecedented 20th league title this season. Furthermore, they are competing...
and made his first competitive appearance in the Community Shield
FA Community Shield
The Football Association Community Shield is English football's annual match contested between the champions of the previous Premier League season and the holders of the FA Cup at Wembley Stadium. If the Premier League champions also won the FA Cup then the league runners-up provide the opposition...
victory against .
Early career
Cleverley was born in BasingstokeBasingstoke
Basingstoke is a town in northeast Hampshire, in south central England. It lies across a valley at the source of the River Loddon. It is southwest of London, northeast of Southampton, southwest of Reading and northeast of the county town, Winchester. In 2008 it had an estimated population of...
, Hampshire
Hampshire
Hampshire is a county on the southern coast of England in the United Kingdom. The county town of Hampshire is Winchester, a historic cathedral city that was once the capital of England. Hampshire is notable for housing the original birthplaces of the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force...
, but grew up in Bradford
Bradford
Bradford lies at the heart of the City of Bradford, a metropolitan borough of West Yorkshire, in Northern England. It is situated in the foothills of the Pennines, west of Leeds, and northwest of Wakefield. Bradford became a municipal borough in 1847, and received its charter as a city in 1897...
, West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire is a metropolitan county within the Yorkshire and the Humber region of England with a population of 2.2 million. West Yorkshire came into existence as a metropolitan county in 1974 after the passage of the Local Government Act 1972....
. He went to Hanson school. He was part of Bradford City's
Bradford City A.F.C.
Bradford City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, playing in League Two....
youth set up and the next summer he joined Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
as a 11-year-old trainee in July 2000. United manager Alex Ferguson
Alex Ferguson
Sir Alexander Chapman "Alex" Ferguson, CBE is a Scottish association football manager and former player, currently managing Manchester United, where he has been in charge since 1986...
said: "We know all about Cleverley as he's been with us a long time, since he was 12. You get to know their character and temperament." During the 2005–06 season, he made nine appearances for the under-18 side. He also received a taste of reserve team football when he was named on the bench for the team's 4–1 away win over Everton
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
on 21 February 2006. His first appearance for the reserves came in a 0–0 away draw to Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers F.C.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001....
almost a year later, on 15 February 2007, by which time he had become a regular in the under-18 team. However, just over a month later, he suffered a long-term injury and was ruled out for seven months.
He returned to action in October 2007, playing for the reserves in a 1–1 home draw with Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
. The 2007–08 season marked Cleverley's emergence as a regular in the Manchester United reserve team, making 21 appearances as the team went on to win both the Manchester Senior Cup
Manchester Senior Cup
The Manchester FA Senior Cup is an annual football tournament held between the clubs of the Manchester Football Association which was first played in 1885...
and the Lancashire Senior Cup
Lancashire Senior Cup
The Lancashire County Football Association Cup , is a football knockout tournament involving teams from Lancashire, England and surrounding areas. It is a County Cup competition of the Lancashire County Football Association and involves Premier League clubs and Football League clubs...
, in which he scored in the final against Liverpool. He also scored his first goals in a Manchester United shirt on 23 January 2008, when he scored both of United's goals in a 2–0 away win over Bolton Wanderers in the Premier Reserve League. His consistent performances for the reserves earned him the captaincy of the team in the absence of regular captain Sam Hewson
Sam Hewson
Sam Hewson is an English footballer who was last attached to Altrincham. He had previously played for Manchester United, before his release in July 2010. His regular position is as a central midfielder.-Early career:...
, as well as a nomination for the Denzil Haroun Reserve Player of the Year award – he lost out to Richard Eckersley
Richard Eckersley (footballer)
Richard Jon Eckersley is an English footballer who plays as a full back for Canadian club Toronto FC in Major League Soccer, on loan from Burnley....
.
In recognition of his sterling work for the reserves, on 24 July 2008, Cleverley was called up to the Manchester United first team for the remainder of their tour of South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
and the match against Portsmouth
Portsmouth F.C.
Portsmouth Football Club is an English football club based in the city of Portsmouth. The club is nicknamed Pompey. Portsmouth's home matches have been played at Fratton Park since the club's formation in 1898. The team currently play in the Football League Championship after being relegated from...
in Nigeria
Nigeria
Nigeria , officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in...
. He made his first team debut against Kaizer Chiefs in the final of the 2008 Vodacom Challenge, coming on in place of Rodrigo Possebon
Rodrigo Possebon
Rodrigo Pereira Possebon is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Santos and, by virtue of his ancestry, the Italian U-20 national team. He signed for Santos from Manchester United on 20 August 2010...
at half-time, before he scored the third of United's four goals just after the hour mark.
He returned to regular reserve team duty for the 2008–09 season, but was given a first team squad number – 35 – when the first team squad list was announced on 15 August 2008, and was named on the bench for United's League Cup matches against Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough F.C.
Middlesbrough Football Club , also known as Boro, are an English football club based in Middlesbrough, who play in the Football League Championship. Formed in 1876, they have played at the Riverside Stadium since August 1995, their third ground since turning professional in 1889...
and Queens Park Rangers
Queens Park Rangers F.C.
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in White City, Hammersmith and Fulham, west London. As the 2010-11 Football League Championship champions, they now play in the top tier of English football the Premier League, for the first time in 15 years...
.
Leicester City
On 16 January 2009, Cleverley joined Leicester CityLeicester City F.C.
Leicester City Football Club , also known as The Foxes, is an English professional football club based at the King Power Stadium in Leicester...
for the remainder of the 2008–09 season and was given the number 7 shirt. He made his debut on 19 January 2009 in a 2–0 away win over Yeovil Town
Yeovil Town F.C.
Yeovil Town F.C. are an English association football team based in Yeovil, Somerset. The club play in League One after having won the League Two championship in 2004–05...
, coming on as an 85th-minute substitute for Matty Fryatt
Matty Fryatt
Matthew Charles Fryatt is an English footballer currently playing as a striker for Hull City. A product of Walsall's youth system, Fryatt is a lifelong supporter of Manchester United....
. After two goals in 15 matches for Leicester, Cleverley's loan spell came to a premature end after he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury against Colchester United
Colchester United F.C.
Colchester United Football Club is an English football club based in Colchester. The club was formed in 1937, and briefly shared their old Layer Road home with now defunct side Colchester Town who had previously used the ground from 1910....
. 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
Football League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
.
Towards the end of the season, along with James Chester
James Chester
James Grant Chester is an English footballer who plays for Hull City as a centre back. He has also played on loan for Peterborough United, Plymouth Argyle and Carlisle United.-Career:...
and Corry Evans
Corry Evans
Corry John Evans is a Northern Irish footballer who plays as a midfielder or centre back for Hull City. A Northern Ireland under-21 and senior international, he came through the Manchester United youth academy, like his older brother, United team centre back Jonny Evans...
, Cleverley was nominated by Manchester United reserve team manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær
Ole Gunnar Solskjær
Ole Gunnar Solskjær is the manager of Norwegian first division side Molde. He is better known as a former footballer who spent most of his career playing for Manchester United. Often dubbed "the baby-faced assassin," he played 366 times for the Red Devils and scored 126 goals during a very...
for the Denzil Haroun Reserve Player of the Year award.
Watford
On 18 August 2009, Cleverley signed for WatfordWatford F.C.
Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. It is often referred to as Watford F.C., Watford, or by the team's nickname The Hornets . Watford Rovers, Founded in 1881, entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1886, and the Southern League a decade...
on loan. He was then able to play in the Hornets' match away to Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest F.C.
Nottingham Forest Football Club is an English Association Football club based in West Bridgford, Nottingham, that plays in the Football League Championship...
that evening. He started the match and was booked within four minutes of the start of the second half, but then sealed a 4–2 win with a goal in the second minute of injury time at the end of the game. He then scored another goal on his home debut four days later, scoring Watford's second goal in a 2–2 draw with Blackpool
Blackpool F.C.
Blackpool Football Club are an English football club founded in 1887 from the Lancashire seaside town of Blackpool. They are competing in the 2011–12 season of the The Championship, the second tier of professional football in England, having been relegated from the Premier League at the end of the...
, and became Watford's joint-top scorer with the second goal in a 2–0 win over Preston North End
Preston North End F.C.
Preston North End Football Club is an English professional football club located in the Deepdale area of the city of Preston, Lancashire, currently playing in the third tier of English league football, League One...
in November. Shortly afterwards, he extended his loan deal at Watford until the end of the 2009–10 season
Watford F.C. season 2009–10
Watford Football Club are an association football club from Watford, Hertfordshire, England. Home matches were played at the club's stadium, Vicarage Road, which had a capacity of 17,504 for the 2009–10 season...
. Cleverley scored a further five goals in 20 appearances for Watford before a knee ligament injury in April 2010 ended his season prematurely. He went on to win the team's Player of the Season award.
Wigan Athletic
Cleverley returned to Manchester United for the beginning of the 2010–11 season, and travelled with the squad for their pre-season tour of North America in July 2010. He came on as a substitute for Ryan GiggsRyan Giggs
Ryan Joseph Giggs OBE is a Welsh professional footballer who plays for Manchester United. Giggs made his first appearance for the club during the 1990–91 season and has been a regular player since the 1991–92 season...
at half-time in the first match of the tour against Celtic
Celtic F.C.
Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. The club was established in 1887, and played its first game in 1888. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the...
in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, and scored United's third in a 3–1 win. He then netted his second of the tour on 28 July 2010, scoring United's fourth in their 5–2 win in the 2010 MLS All-Star Game; he controlled Darren Fletcher
Darren Fletcher
Darren Barr Fletcher is a Scottish footballer who plays as a central midfielder for English Premier League club Manchester United. He is the current captain of Scottish national team...
's flick into the box before lifting the ball over Wilman Conde's head and side-footing it past Nick Rimando
Nick Rimando
Nicholas Paul "Nick" Rimando is an American soccer player who currently plays for Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer and the United States national team-College:...
.
On 31 August 2010, although Cleverley looked destined to stay with United for the season, Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
confirmed they had agreed a season-long loan deal for Cleverley, with Manchester United retaining the option to recall the player from his loan spell in January. On 11 September, Cleverley made his debut for Wigan which was also his Premier League debut, replacing Mauro Boselli
Mauro Boselli
Mauro Boselli is an Argentine football forward who currently plays for Estudiantes on loan from Wigan Athletic.-Boca Juniors:...
in the 75th minute and assisting Antolin Alcaraz
Antolin Alcaraz
Antolín Alcaraz Viveros is a Paraguayan footballer who plays for Wigan Athletic in the Premier League, as a central defender.-Club career:...
in a 1–1 home draw against Sunderland
Sunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
. On 27 November, he scored his first goal for the club, also his first ever Premier League goal, in a 3–1 defeat away to West Ham United
West Ham United F.C.
West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current...
. Seven days later he scored his second for Wigan and first home goal in a 2–2 draw against Stoke City
Stoke City F.C.
Stoke City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire that plays in the Premier League. Founded in 1863, it is the oldest club in the Premier League, and considered to be the second oldest professional football club in the world, after Notts...
. However, following a Dubious Goals Panel
Dubious Goals Committee
The Dubious Goals Committee is a committee within the Premier League, the top level of association football in England, which adjudicates in any instance where the identity of the scorer of a goal is disputed....
ruling, this goal was taken away from Cleverley and credited as a Rory Delap
Rory Delap
Rory John Delap is an English born Irish footballer who plays for Stoke City. He has played eleven times for the Republic of Ireland national football team....
own goal. In January 2011, Manchester United agreed to let Cleverley stay on loan at Wigan until the end of the season. Cleverley scored the decisive goal in a 2–1 away win over Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club that represents the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region. They are members of the Premier League, the highest level of English football. The club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at...
which lifted Wigan out of the relegation zone. Cleverley was one of Wigan's stand-out performers, and ended the season with 3 goals and 2 assists in 25 Premier League appearances.
Manchester United first team
Paul ScholesPaul Scholes
Paul Scholes is a retired English footballer, a one-club man who played his entire professional career for Manchester United.Born in Salford, but later moving to Langley, Scholes excelled in both cricket and football in school. He first trained with Manchester United at the age of 14 after being...
' retirement before the 2011–12 season
2011–12 Manchester United F.C. season
The 2011–12 season is Manchester United's 20th season in the Premier League, and their 37th consecutive season in the top-flight of English football. United are defending Premier League champions, and will be aiming for an unprecedented 20th league title this season. Furthermore, they are competing...
left an opening in Manchester United's central midfield. Cleverley has been identified by manager Sir Alex Ferguson
Alex Ferguson
Sir Alexander Chapman "Alex" Ferguson, CBE is a Scottish association football manager and former player, currently managing Manchester United, where he has been in charge since 1986...
as a potential homegrown replacement for Scholes. Cleverley was praised by Ferguson after playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–1 victory over Barcelona
FC Barcelona
Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
in a preseason friendly match. Ferguson said that Cleverley was United's "best player" against Barcelona and he indicated that there is a strong possibility that Cleverley could be among the starting eleven in the opening round fixture of the Premier League season
2011–12 Premier League
The 2011–12 Premier League is the twentieth season of the Premier League since its establishment in 1992. The 2011–12 fixtures were announced on 17 June 2011 at 9:00 BST. The season began on 13 August 2011 and is due to end on 13 May 2012...
against West Bromwich Albion
West Bromwich Albion F.C.
West Bromwich Albion Football Club, also known as West Brom, The Baggies, The Throstles, Albion or WBA, are an English Premier League association football club based in West Bromwich in the West Midlands...
.
Cleverley made his competitive debut for United in the 3–2 comeback win over derby
Manchester derby
The Manchester derby is the name given to football matches between Manchester City and Manchester United. The local derby centres on the City of Manchester and Greater Manchester with approximately four miles separating the clubs with City based in east Manchester at the City of Manchester Stadium...
rivals Manchester City
Manchester City F.C.
Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894...
in the 2011 Community Shield
2011 FA Community Shield
The 2011 FA Community Shield was the 89th FA Community Shield, an annual football match contested by the winners of the previous season's Premier League and FA Cup competitions. The match was the 160th Manchester derby between Manchester United and Manchester City and played at Wembley Stadium,...
. He came on as a second-half substitute for Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick is an English footballer who plays as a midfielder for Manchester United and the England national team. He has made more than 300 Premier League appearances and played in 50 UEFA Champions League games as of April 2011...
after United went 2–0 down at half time, and assisted Nani
Nani
-People:*Nani, a Portuguese footballer who plays for Manchester United*Gianluca Nani, former technical director at West Ham United*Nanabhoy Palkhivala, nicknamed Nani, an Indian jurist and economist*Nani Roma, a Spanish rally racing driver...
's equaliser, after a pass and move build up.
For the 2011–12 season he changed his number to 23 which was previously vacated by Jonny Evans
Jonny Evans
Jonathan Grant "Jonny" Evans is a Northern Irish footballer who plays as a defender for Manchester United and Northern Ireland. Evans was born in Belfast and started his career at Greenisland FC, where he was spotted by Manchester United scouts. He progressed through Manchester United's football...
who took Wes Brown
Wes Brown
Wesley Michael "Wes" Brown is an English footballer who plays as a defender for Sunderland. Before joining Sunderland, Brown had spent his entire career at Old Trafford, having joined the Manchester United youth team in 1996...
's old number 6. He started his first Premier League game for Manchester United on 14 August 2011, playing the full 90 minutes away to West Bromwich Albion
West Bromwich Albion F.C.
West Bromwich Albion Football Club, also known as West Brom, The Baggies, The Throstles, Albion or WBA, are an English Premier League association football club based in West Bromwich in the West Midlands...
in the first game of the 2011–12 season
2011–12 Premier League
The 2011–12 Premier League is the twentieth season of the Premier League since its establishment in 1992. The 2011–12 fixtures were announced on 17 June 2011 at 9:00 BST. The season began on 13 August 2011 and is due to end on 13 May 2012...
. After impressing in his opening game, Cleverley started Manchester United's second game of the campaign against Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane....
on 22 August, getting an assist in the process. He played the full game against Arsenal on 28 August 2011, which Manchester United won 8–2. Cleverley sustained a ligament damage in his foot after being tackled heavily by Bolton's Kevin Davies
Kevin Davies
Kevin Cyril Davies is an English footballer who currently plays for Bolton Wanderers and the England national football team as a striker. He was made Bolton team captain in January 2009....
in the 3rd minute of United's next game, a 5-0 away victory at Bolton Wanderers. It was later confirmed by the club that he would be sidelined for a month with the injury. In October 2011 he signed a new contract keeping him at the club until 2015. On 25th October 2011, Cleverley made his return from injury in the Carling Cup, a 3-0 win against Aldershot Town. He made another appearance 4 days later, away to Everton
Everton
Everton is a district of Liverpool, in Merseyside, England and a Liverpool City Council ward. At the 2001 Census the population was recorded as 7,398.-Toponymy:...
. Cleverley played in a more advanced midfield role, linking defence with attack and was arguably Manchester United's best player. He left the field of play after 57 minutes due to an ankle injury, but his performance was later hailed by his manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, as "outstanding".
International career
Cleverley was called up to Noel BlakeNoel Blake
Noel Blake is a retired footballer and current head coach of the England national under-19 football team...
's England Under-20 team
England national under-20 football team
- Round of 16 :-Friendlies:-Latest squad:The following players were named in the squad for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup running from 29 July to the 20 August 2011.-Recent call-ups:...
for the first time on 12 March 2009. However, following a dislocated shoulder suffered while on loan at Leicester City a few days later, he was forced to withdraw from the squad, and was replaced by Leeds United
Leeds United A.F.C.
Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
midfielder Adam Clayton
Adam Clayton (footballer)
Adam Clayton is an English footballer who plays for Leeds United as a midfielder. Clayton joined Leeds from Manchester City. He has also previously had a spell on loan at Carlisle United as well as Peterborough United and Milton Keynes Dons...
. Cleverley eventually made his Under-20 debut on 11 August 2009 in a 5–0 friendly win over Montenegro at The Hawthorns
The Hawthorns
The Hawthorns is an all-seater football stadium in West Bromwich, Sandwell, England, with a capacity of 26,484. It has been the home of West Bromwich Albion F.C. since 1900, when it became the sixth ground to be used by the club. The ground was the last Football League ground to be built in the...
, missing an early penalty but going on to score two second-half goals. He made his England U-21 debut as substitute for Junior Stanislas
Junior Stanislas
Felix Junior Stanislas , more commonly known as Junior Stanislas is an English footballer who plays for Burnley as a winger in the Championship. He was previously with West Ham United.-West Ham United:...
in a 2–1 win away to Macedonia on 4 September 2009.
In August 2011, he was called up to the England first-team squad for the friendly against the Netherlands
Netherlands national football team
The Netherlands National Football Team represents the Netherlands in association football and is controlled by the Royal Dutch Football Association , the governing body for football in the Netherlands...
by Fabio Capello
Fabio Capello
Fabio Capello is an Italian football manager and former player. He is the manager of the England national football team.Capello has the distinction of winning the domestic league title with every club he has coached throughout his career...
. But did not end up playing as the game was cancelled on 8 August by the FA
The Football Association
The Football Association, also known as simply The FA, is the governing body of football in England, and the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. It was formed in 1863, and is the oldest national football association...
after the riots in London. He received another call-up for the Euro 2012 qualifying matches with Bulgaria and Wales later in September 2011 alongside fellow new England additions and club teammates Phil Jones
Phil Jones (footballer)
Philip Anthony "Phil" Jones is an English footballer who plays for Manchester United and the England national team. Before joining Manchester United, Jones played for Blackburn Rovers at both youth and senior levels...
and Chris Smalling
Chris Smalling
Christopher Lloyd "Chris" Smalling is an English footballer who plays as a centre back for Manchester United and the England national team....
but did not end up being in the squad.
Career statistics
- Statistics correct as of 29 October 2011
Club Season League Cup League Cup Europe OtherIncludes other competitive competitions, including the FA Community Shield FA Community ShieldThe Football Association Community Shield is English football's annual match contested between the champions of the previous Premier League season and the holders of the FA Cup at Wembley Stadium. If the Premier League champions also won the FA Cup then the league runners-up provide the opposition...
, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World CupFIFA Club World CupThe FIFA Club World Cup is a football competition between the champion clubs from all six continental confederations.The first FIFA Club World Championship took place in Brazil in January 2000...
, Johnstone's Paint TrophyFootball League TrophyThe Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...Total Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Leicester City Leicester City F.C.Leicester City Football Club , also known as The Foxes, is an English professional football club based at the King Power Stadium in Leicester...
(loan)2008–09 2008–09 Leicester City F.C. seasonThe 2008–09 season was Leicester City F.C.'s 104th season in the English football league system and their first and, to date, only season in the third tier of English football, after being relegated to League One the previous season....15 2 0 0 0 0 – 0 0 15 2 Watford Watford F.C.Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. It is often referred to as Watford F.C., Watford, or by the team's nickname The Hornets . Watford Rovers, Founded in 1881, entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1886, and the Southern League a decade...
(loan)2009–10 33 11 1 0 1 0 – 0 0 35 11 Wigan Athletic Wigan Athletic F.C.Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
(loan)2010–11 2010–11 Wigan Athletic F.C. seasonThe 2010–11 English football season is Wigan Athletic F.C.'s 33rd season in the Football League and their sixth consecutive season in the Premier League.-Pre-season:...25 4 0 0 0 0 – 0 0 25 4 Manchester United Manchester United F.C.Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...2011–12 2011–12 Manchester United F.C. seasonThe 2011–12 season is Manchester United's 20th season in the Premier League, and their 37th consecutive season in the top-flight of English football. United are defending Premier League champions, and will be aiming for an unprecedented 20th league title this season. Furthermore, they are competing...5 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 7 0 Career total 78 17 1 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 82 17
Club
Leicester City- League OneFootball League OneFootball League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
(1): 2008–09
Manchester United
- FA Community ShieldFA Community ShieldThe Football Association Community Shield is English football's annual match contested between the champions of the previous Premier League season and the holders of the FA Cup at Wembley Stadium. If the Premier League champions also won the FA Cup then the league runners-up provide the opposition...
(1): 20112011 FA Community ShieldThe 2011 FA Community Shield was the 89th FA Community Shield, an annual football match contested by the winners of the previous season's Premier League and FA Cup competitions. The match was the 160th Manchester derby between Manchester United and Manchester City and played at Wembley Stadium,...
Individual
- Watford Player of the Season (1): 2009–10
Private life
In October 2011, Cleverley accepted substantial undisclosed libel damages over a false claim made by Rupert MurdochRupert Murdoch
Keith Rupert Murdoch, AC, KSG is an Australian-American business magnate. He is the founder and Chairman and CEO of , the world's second-largest media conglomerate....
's The Sun newspaper the previous August that he had "badgered" a girl for sex in Blackpool. Cleverley was at home with his girlfriend in Manchester when the newspaper said the incident had occurred.