Sir Alex Ferguson has tipped Tom Cleverley to follow Danny Welbeck into the England squad as he confirmed neither player will be leaving Manchester United on loan this season.
The duo both benefited from time out on loan last season. Cleverley quickly slotted in at Wigan last season and impressed as Roberto Martinez’s side avoided relegation on the last day of the season.
Welbeck meanwhile impressed at Sunderland under our former captain Steve Bruce scoring six goals with his displays earning him a first full cap for England in March before his season ended early through injury.
Sir Alex that both will remain at Old Trafford, stressing their importance to our squad:
“They won’t go on loan again,” the United boss confirmed to Press Association Sport.
“Going on loan only serves one purpose; keeping them happy by playing all the time.
“At their ages, it wouldn’t do us any good because other clubs would be benefiting from what we could be benefiting from.
“Because of the experience they have had, keeping them now benefits us.”
It’s clear that both of the youngsters will figure in our plans for next season, despite both being previously linked with moves away as is the norm for talented young players at our club.
Looking ahead to the new season it shall be interesting to see how both players settle into our squad, as they will have the pressure on them to impress early on and stake their claim to be in the club’s long-term plans.
For now United fans should just look forward with intrigue to see how the two home-grown talents get on and whether or not they can make a late challenge to get into England’s squad for next year’s European Championship in Poland and Ukraine.
At least if you believe Sir Alex’s words you can sense he believes both of them have a chance and that if they do well Fabio Capello will come calling:
“Welbeck is an England international now,” said the Scot.
“He is an exceptional talent. And Cleverley will play for England too.
“He is an intelligent modern-day footballer. His movement and understanding of space is really good for a young player. We are happy both of them will stay with us.”
Let’s hope we see the best out of both Tom and Danny this coming season, as there are certainly places in the England squad up for grabs which both should be aiming to challenge for.
By @ADennehey87
