The midfielder who impressed so much early in the season could make his long-awaited return against Liverpool tomorrow.
Early in the season Tom Cleverley was a revelation.
His quick passing breathed life into Manchester United’s all too often static midfield, and got them playing the type of football their fans had craved for several seasons.
Then as quickly as he appeared, he was taken away again, injured by a Kevin Davies tackle at Bolton in a 5-0 win.
He played one game away to Everton in October before injuring himself once again.
Now he is ready to make his comeback. Whether Sir Alex will throw him straight in at home to Liverpool is a good question, but if he is match fit, then he should consider it.
United’s midfield has been overrun by Liverpool all too often in recent times. If Cleverley comes in and is able to show the same form he did early in the season he can swing the game in United’s favour.
But that is just it. Is too much pressure being placed on the shoulders of one so young?
Shouldn’t United have other midfielders capable of similar? What about the £17 million Anderson?
Well sadly they don’t. Anderson flattered to deceive early in the season, and worked well with Cleverley, but ever since the defeat at home to City his form has dipped and he has suffered injuries leaving Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs in midfield along with Michael Carrick.
It is not their fault United are so desperate for Cleverley to come back, it is Ferguson’s.
The cracks in United’s midfield have been evident since 2009, and last year’s Champions league final only exposed them further, yet the manager decided not to make any signings in the summer despite a flirtation with Wesley Sneijder.
Sure Sneijder turned out too expensive, but he is not the only midfielder in the world.
When Fergie said after Cleverley’s performance in the Community Shield he did not need a midfielder, he was entitled to put his faith in the young lad, but bearing in mind his injuries it has been the wrong decision, and has arguably cost United their place in the Champions League.
Now Cleverley not only has to find his form once again, he also has to face the burden of being United’s big hope, and in Jack Wilshere’s absence, he may even find himself in the England squad for Euro 2012.
Not bad for a lad who was on loan at Wigan last season.
United fans should remember this, and just not expect miracles straight away.
image: © eschipul
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