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| Cleverley admits being “average” Posted: 13 Dec 2013 03:19 AM PST
The 24-year-old has struggled to impose himself in United’s midfield and one has to wonder whether Cleverley would be playing at all, had United the luxury to count on a number of quality options, rather than only on the mercurial Michael Carrick, the dynamism of Phil Jones and the occasional brilliance of 40-year-old Ryan Giggs.
With David Moyes reportedly willing to strengthen his midfield options, given the lack of impact produced by Marouane Fellaini’s arrival last summer, Cleverley’s spot in the starting line-up could be under threat, and the England midfielder has admitted he can only blame himself for that. “At the moment, I feel like I’ve got more to give,” Cleverley told United Review. “I’ve had a few average games, a few more than I would prefer. “But I felt this time last year was when I hit my best form of the season, when we were playing every few days. “I’m the type of player who prefers that and, if I can get into a rhythm, then hopefully I can add more than just appearances to my record, I can also add some stand-out performances.” The United midfielder, who delivered a solid performance off the bench against Shakthar Donetsk on Tuesday night, insisted that he’s developing his game under David Moyes but admitted he needs a radical improvement if he is to fulfil expectations. “I’m definitely developing the defensive side of my game and tactically the manager is teaching me a lot of things,” explained Cleverley. “Maybe the creative side of my game can improve a little bit too but I realise that’s not my only job in the team and sometimes I’ve got to sacrifice that part. “I felt Chelsea at home, defensively and tactically, was a mature performance and I thought I was having a really good game at Fulham before a bang on the head gave me double vision and I had to come off. “I’d pick those two, and the really good team performance at Swansea on the opening day, as my best so far.” Cleverley admitted that Michael Carrick’s absence has been sorely felt so far. “Any team in the world who had Michael Carrick would feel the loss, there’s no denying that,” said Cleverley. “But it has given a chance for other players to play and step up to the plate.” |
| New name emerges in defensive shake-up Posted: 13 Dec 2013 12:00 AM PST
The United manager was at the Vicente Calderon in Madrid on Wednesday, where he watched Atletico Madrid vs Porto. Those who hoped Moyes was in the Spanish capital to keep an eye on Koke or Porto’s Jackson Martinez will be disappointed to know that the United manager was instead monitoring Eliaquim Mangala.
Today’s newspapers report that United have been tracking Mangala for months, with the 22-year-old centre-back considered to be the ideal option to replace one between Ferdinand and Vidic, who, at 35 and 32 years of age respectively, are nearing the end of their careers. Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are excellent options at centre-back – although the latter has often featured in midfield this season – but a team of United’s aspirations needs four centre-backs and with Ferdinand and Vidic set to leave the club sooner rather than later, Mangala is thought to fit the bill perfectly. The Porto defender, who has just broken into the France team, is an imposing figure at centre-back and his physique seems ideal for the rigours of Premier League football, particularly as United’s back four has been bullied too often this season. Mangala, however, is on other clubs’ radar too, with Chelsea keeping a close eye on the Frenchman, who’s also monitored by a couple of Spanish and Italian sides and who is cup tied in the Champions League, having taken part in the competition with Porto this season. Moyes is thought to be determined to return to Everton for Leighton Baines in January, which means that a move for Mangala could, theoretically at least, be put on hold until the summer, but it’ll take a tangible financial effort to prize the centre-back away from Porto. |
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