Rebuilding the reputation of Tom Cleverley

On paper it would appear Tom Cleverley has had a pretty handy career in the game. Still only 25 years of age the midfielder has spent six years at Manchester United while spending a host of time at other clubs on loan.

Cleverley has a close relationship with Everton boss Roberto Martinez whom he played under at Wigan Athletic, which is believed to have been a major factor in Cleverley signing with the Toffees after his United contract expired at the end of last season.

Cleverley played some of the best football of his career under Martinez and he finished the 2011 season with three goals and two assists as Wigan avoided relegation. He has also enjoyed success at other clubs on loan, winning player of the season with Watford in the 2009-10 season and also playing a significant part in Leicester winning the League One title the previous season.

Cleverley made 55 appearances for Manchester United but always seemed to be targeted by the supporters as a bit of a whipping boy. Despite this he enjoyed some team success at Old Trafford including a Premier League title and Community Shield.

Cleverley was identified by Sir Alex Ferguson for a midfield role at United after the retirement of Paul Scholes and perhaps this was always going to be too much pressure.

Louis van Gaal’s arrival as manager at United saw a host of new players signed, which saw Cleverley fall down the pecking order. As a result he spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa.

Cleverley made 31 appearances for Villa and finished the year strongly, scoring in three consecutive games, including against Everton in a MOTM performance. But Van Gaal was happy to let Cleverley leave and despite a host of options he signed a four-year deal at Everton.

The signing has not been met with a lot of fan-fare but it appears Cleverley wants to prove the doubters wrong. He has been involved in success at club level, and also represented England through the youth ranks as well as senior level with 13 appearances.

Signed on a free, Everton and Cleverley might just be the right mix and having the trust of Martinez might just see Cleverley prove some people wrong along the way.