Tom Cleverley | 2012-14 Performances

[Minkaro]

Liked the way he linked up with Rooney tonight. Let Rooney play his dropping deep game, and filled in the gap left behind well.

As a matter of fact, I like the idea of a Fletcher, Anderson and Cleverley midfield trio. Fletcher operating in front of the defence to allow the other two freedom to go forward and influence the game in the final third, whether together or taking turns to do so. I'm not suggesting that should be the central midfield, especially when we've got Carrick and Scholes, but it's one that I'd like to see a lot more of.

 

[Massive Spanner]

What about that reverse ball he played to RVP, he has vision but focuses on retention more, Anderson tries more through balls so it balances out really.

Well Anderson tries them and usually fails, which is why we lack so much creativity, we were reliant on Rooney for everything we created tonight, which wasn't much despite our total dominance.

I think he's a "tidy" player, he looks good because he doesn't really do anything wrong, doesn't lose the ball, has a good touch and generally finds the pass, but for me he's lacking the spark and creativity to be a really good midfielder, but that may come in time.

 

[Cheesy]

I think he's someone who keeps you ticking, not the guy who will regularly make the incisive pass or beat a man, both he and ando are similar in that way, clev has more concentration and tidiness and ando has more power. If they push on the defensive side if their games they could be great as the deeper players with a kagawa just ahead. For now though I'd like to see one of them next to carrick or fletch and kagawa just ahead where Rooney was playing. Push Rooney further ahead and bring nani in for Hernandez.

I agree with what you say about him. I think he's the sort of player who could eventually find that vision though. If his passing and all-round midfield play continues to improve, then that vision could be what turns him from a decent prospect and good player into a top midfielder.

 

[Ash_G]

I agree with what you say about him. I think he's the sort of player who could eventually find that vision though. If his passing and all-round midfield play continues to improve, then that vision could be what turns him from a decent prospect and good player into a top midfielder.

Yeah I'm sure he can improve that with time but I don't think it's something that will be a major part of his game, he's capable of it but I think he's not a big risk taker and whilst you don't have to always go for a killer pass I don't see him go for it often and I don't think that's something you really grow into. But that doesn't mean he can't be a top midfielder, someone who can keep things going, works hard and is capable of making something happen is a great player to have and just what we need.

 

[marjen]

He played three great through balls today. The volleyed pass for RvP, the reverse pass that freed Rooney inside the area, and the pass for Hernandez which put him clean through where play was wrongly halted for offside.

His vision and ability to pick key passes isn't a problem, but today he was basically doubling up as a wide midfielder, bursting a gut to get out wide left to provide width after involving himself centrally. Thought he did quite well.

 

[Carl]

His debut Champions League game away from home in a tough game. I thought he was excellent and controlled our midfield.

Screw you guys. I'm going to bed.

 

[Comsmit]

Fletcher and particularly Anderson were better than Cleverley tonight. Don't think he controlled the midfield at all....he needs to start adding more diversity to his game. This is a massive season for him if he wants to become a permanent fixture.

 

[Stack]

I think he is still early in his career and will simply get better with each season. Injuries have slowed him down a bit but he has all the right attributes to become a very important player for us. It will be interesting to see what he looks like in 5 seasons time, my feeling is that he will be a key player for England and one of the name players on the world scene. However he just needs time, he is still learning.

I dont have too high expectations for him at present, just that he keeps developing and improving in line with his potential. Quick feet, a bit of pace, lovely short passing game, works hard off the ball when in and out of possession. He makes smart off ball runs to find space and also to drag defenders out of position and defensively he tracks back and his body position is great. His long passing game is where he can improve and that takes time and experience.

We are a couple of seasons away from being able to know for sure what he will become but to me he has a very good chance to become something special. Heres hoping.

 

[Cold_Boy]

Honestly Nick I didn't see any vision from him, if anything that's what he lacks as a player. His passing, one twos and general energy levels are great but he lacks the incisiveness and inventiveness in the final third to create chances, for me anyway. Hopefully that will change because if he gets that aspect into his game he could turn into a very good midfielder.

I agree with you on this.

Thats what I said recently and people didn't seem to agree.

 

[Adebesi]

I was encouraged by his performance. Def more impressed than most of you. Linked up with Rooney well I thought.

 

[Chrisjn]

Thought he played well and certainly deserves some more league action. Only thing I would say for both him and ando is that neither are particularly incisive passers and neither really carry the ball in such a way that they will beat players, long term in a narrow set up against a better team we might struggle with both of them, but if we want to make sure we're tight then the work rate and tidiness of their play with a shield behind them would be good.

Can't agree with that at all with regards to Anderson. As soon as he gets the ball he looks for the incisive pass, I think his vision is tremendously underrated. He can beat a man when he needs to too, he just needs to work on his stamina and his will to make something of himself, the latter is something I believe we are seeing ago far this season.

 

[Chrisjn]

Yeah I'm sure he can improve that with time but I don't think it's something that will be a major part of his game, he's capable of it but I think he's not a big risk taker and whilst you don't have to always go for a killer pass I don't see him go for it often and I don't think that's something you really grow into. But that doesn't mean he can't be a top midfielder, someone who can keep things going, works hard and is capable of making something happen is a great player to have and just what we need.

I agree with the sentiment that Cleverly does more than often play it safe, but he doesn't lose the ball does he? I think the best way for a youngster of 23 fighting to get into one of the best sides in Europe is to establish yourself as a safe player who will work hard and not let you down with missed placed passes, Hollywood balls and the general naivety you would expect from a youth product. I think SAF will be delighted with his progress and believe once he sees he has established himself, will push him and allow him to express himself more often.

 

[pocco]

Strange that people are complaining about his vision; I thought tonight was the most inventive I've seen him. Not sure what to read into that, however. I don't think he'll be that type of player.

 

[Denis' cuff]

I think he is still early in his career and will simply get better with each season. Injuries have slowed him down a bit but he has all the right attributes to become a very important player for us. It will be interesting to see what he looks like in 5 seasons time, my feeling is that he will be a key player for England and one of the name players on the world scene. However he just needs time, he is still learning.

I dont have too high expectations for him at present, just that he keeps developing and improving in line with his potential. Quick feet, a bit of pace, lovely short passing game, works hard off the ball when in and out of possession. He makes smart off ball runs to find space and also to drag defenders out of position and defensively he tracks back and his body position is great. His long passing game is where he can improve and that takes time and experience.

We are a couple of seasons away from being able to know for sure what he will become but to me he has a very good chance to become something special. Heres hoping.

good summary

 

[ghaliboy]

Fletcher and particularly Anderson were better than Cleverley tonight. Don't think he controlled the midfield at all....he needs to start adding more diversity to his game. This is a massive season for him if he wants to become a permanent fixture.

It's because Fletcher closes the man smartly and doesn't stand off. He shepherds play as opposed to letting players do what they want while looking for an interception. Something that Carrick doesn't do. It's why they are the complete polar opposite of each other in a combination.

In this particular 3 man midfeld I think Cleverley can get away with being 'quiet' and not being overly creative because he is linking play rather than being the creative outlet. Like Jones last year when he was absolutely all over the place leaving most fans shaking their heads.

He'll grow. Discipline and graft is a good thing this early in his career.

 

[kouroux]

His debut Champions League game away from home in a tough game. I thought he was excellent and controlled our midfield.

Screw you guys. I'm going to bed.

I know you're one his biggest fan but come on man, you need to get real about his current ability.You're overrating him unhealthily

 

[Ash_G]

Can't agree with that at all with regards to Anderson. As soon as he gets the ball he looks for the incisive pass, I think his vision is tremendously underrated. He can beat a man when he needs to too, he just needs to work on his stamina and his will to make something of himself, the latter is something I believe we are seeing ago far this season.

Ando does typically try and go for a killer pass more but personally I never think its a major part of his game, maybe it will come with time as he gets more experience. As for beating people, in an open game he can get past people well with his power but in compact games like yesterday again I don't think it's a big thing in his locker. Like clev though being someone who keeps the momentum is an important role.

I agree with the sentiment that Cleverly does more than often play it safe, but he doesn't lose the ball does he? I think the best way for a youngster of 23 fighting to get into one of the best sides in Europe is to establish yourself as a safe player who will work hard and not let you down with missed placed passes, Hollywood balls and the general naivety you would expect from a youth product. I think SAF will be delighted with his progress and believe once he sees he has established himself, will push him and allow him to express himself more often.

I agree and I think I said above that he can still be a top player, players that keep the momentum going, work hard and retain possession are very important. He doesn't have to be a fabregas putting in the incisive pass, he can be the slightly deeper player making sure we keep out momentum whilst being able to do something himself on the ball and link up well. In honesty with us having Rooney and kagawa as better options at the tip of a 3 and needing to include a nani or Valencia I would expect clev to get more chances in that deeper role.

 

[Carl]

I know you're one his biggest fan but come on man, you need to get real about his current ability.You're overrating him unhealthily

I don't think so. I've been underwhelmed by his performances so far this season and have stated he needs to do more to get Fergie to drop Scholes.

Last night though I thought he was very good.

He and Rooney were the go to guys. Always showing and then distrubuting the ball. Not to mention he had to track wide players quite often given the formation we were playing.

Very pleased.

 

[Sam]

Very surprised by the comments from last night. For me, he was our standout midfielder. He's got really good football intelligence. Looks wise beyond his years.

 

[londonredmaniac]

Very surprised by the comments from last night. For me, he was our standout midfielder. He's got really good football intelligence. Looks wise beyond his years.

Yes indeed.

 

[Comsmit]

Very surprised by the comments from last night. For me, he was our standout midfielder. He's got really good football intelligence. Looks wise beyond his years.

He can do a lot of the basics well, but what else does he have that gives the team something extra special? He was alright last night but his first touch at times was poor. He also has a habit of passing at the player rather than passing into open space. With this I mean the player he passes to has to check their stride or remain static to receive the ball.

Maybe I'm overly critical but he just doesn't excite me enough. He needs to develop quickly and add more weapons to his game, he is 23 now and I don't think his level right now is where an apparently "special player" should be. I feel Cleverley will always be a decent midfielder, nothing special, nothing unique. That's the problem with our current crop of midfielders, they are good but there is no-one special, and no-one who looks like they might be special.

 

[charleysurf]

He can do a lot of the basics well, but what else does he have that gives the team something extra special? He was alright last night but his first touch at times was poor. He also has a habit of passing at the player rather than passing into open space. With this I mean the player he passes to has to check their stride or remain static to receive the ball.

Maybe I'm overly critical but he just doesn't excite me enough. He needs to develop quickly and add more weapons to his game, he is 23 now and I don't think his level right now is where an apparently "special player" should be. I feel Cleverley will always be a decent midfielder, nothing special, nothing unique. That's the problem with our current crop of midfielders, they are good but there is no-one special, and no-one who looks like they might be special.

There's nothing particularly "special" about Fletcher, but he's a player we have missed badly.

 

[ghaliboy]

Maybe I'm overly critical but he just doesn't excite me enough. He needs to develop quickly and add more weapons to his game, he is 23 now and I don't think his level right now is where an apparently "special player" should be. I feel Cleverley will always be a decent midfielder, nothing special, nothing unique. That's the problem with our current crop of midfielders, they are good but there is no-one special, and no-one who looks like they might be special.

Get a grip, you're being downright ridiculous to be fair. Not every player can be as powerful as Yaya Toure as clinical as Xavi and as silky as David Silva all rolled into one.

Sit back and admire Cleverley for what he is, stop trying to see the things that aren't there and let yourself see the things that are.

 

[Massive Spanner]

Get a grip, you're being downright ridiculous to be fair. Not every player can be as powerful as Yaya Toure as clinical as Xavi and as silky as David Silva all rolled into one.

Sit back and admire Cleverley for what he is, stop trying to see the things that aren't there and let yourself see the things that are.

 

[Comsmit]

Get a grip, you're being downright ridiculous to be fair. Not every player can be as powerful as Yaya Toure as clinical as Xavi and as silky as David Silva all rolled into one.

Sit back and admire Cleverley for what he is, stop trying to see the things that aren't there and let yourself see the things that are.

Brilliant!

Where did you come from???

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Maybe I'm overly critical but he just doesn't excite me enough. He needs to develop quickly and add more weapons to his game, he is 23 now and I don't think his level right now is where an apparently "special player" should be. I feel Cleverley will always be a decent midfielder, nothing special, nothing unique. That's the problem with our current crop of midfielders, they are good but there is no-one special, and no-one who looks like they might be special.

There's surely got to be something between "decent" and "special"?

 

[Comsmit]

There's nothing particularly "special" about Fletcher, but he's a player we have missed badly.

There is something special about Fletcher.....his sheer force of will. Besides he is definitely superior to Cleverley, albeit 5 years worth of experience ahead. I do think he is more naturally talented though.

 

[Comsmit]

There's surely got to be something between "decent" and "special"?

Yep your right. Better way would be for me to suggest Cleverley will be a good player but not a great player. Not wanting to get on his back to much because he can play football. Just expect a bit more from him this season. Early days though.

 

[Massive Spanner]

There's surely got to be something between "decent" and "special"?

World cla.... wait, no.

This is a tricky one.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

There is something special about Fletcher.....his sheer force of will. Besides he is definitely superior to Cleverley, albeit 5 years worth of experience ahead. I do think he is more naturally talented though.

Fletcher's not special. Players like Toure, Rooney, Aguero, Van Persie etc (not even mentioning the elite players in la liga, are special. I thought you had a good point actually until Fletcher came into the category of players that had something special.

 

[roseguy64]

Fletcher's not special. He's very good when he's on form though. On the second rung of midfield talent. That's still great though if you're just a couple attributes off the likes of Xavi, Busquets and Yaya. Similar to Carrick in that sense.

 

[NoLogo]

Fletcher's not special. He's very good when he's on form though. On the second rung of midfield talent. That's still great though if you're just a couple attributes off the likes of Xavi, Busquets and Yaya. Similar to Carrick in that sense.

Every child is special. Didn't you learn anything at school?

 

[R.N7]

I thought only Rooney played better than him yesteday. I still think he's more suited as an AM than a CM.

 

[Ash_G]

Fletcher has a tenacity that we lack at times and is a leader on the pitch. Even if he doesnt blast people or anythibg hes very good at organizing others.

The thing with clev that I think people misunderstand is that when I for example say he's not really an incisive creator like fabregas that its a bad thing, it's not really, what he can do and become is very important. That guy who will just keep us ticking over. Like I've said before scholes never got a huge amount of assists, but he was and is the man who keeps us ticking and his control of where the ball goes etc is and has been one if the biggest influences on our attack. Now clev doesn't play in the same way of scholes but the ideas and intent is there. In a deeper role next to a more defensively sound player he can be great. End of the day with kagawa, Rooney and even Powell it's unlikely he'll ever get many opportunities at united as an attacking mid.

If he and ando can develop the defensive side of their games and play a little deeper than both can become very important for us.

 

[Tomuś]

Played well yesterday, very tidy in possession and can put himself about. I want to see more drive from him though, more risk taken when he attacks. At this point he's a good player that won't look out of place and keep it safe but we need him to express himself more. He has the tools.

 

[Randall Flagg]

Did he mean it? What a fecking goal. I will pretend he did. Even if he didnt

 

[Massive Spanner]

Well he glances up but it's hard to know if it's to RVP or to the net. I'd like to believe the latter because it's an astonishing goal if he did mean it.

 

[Olly Gunnar Solskjær]

EDIT: GIFs are allowed if they're relevant to the thread, right?

 

[KM]

Yup, that Gif is allowed. Great goal

 

[Randall Flagg]

Apart from the goal.

Its been the best I have seen from him. Loads of workrate and sensible passing when required

Cleverley has arrived!