The Manchester United midfielder previously admitted that his days at Old Trafford are over and after a somewhat successful loan spell to Aston Villa, he looks set to complete a move to Everton on a free transfer.
Ever since his performances under David Moyes last season, Tom Cleverley’s days at Old Trafford always seemed to be numbered. The English central midfielder became despised amongst Manchester United fans, leading to some deciding to sign a petition for him to not be called up into the England 23-man World Cup squad.
According to The Times, Everton have managed to fight off Aston Villa and come close to signing the midfielder on a five-year deal, thought to be around £50,000 a week. Everton came very close to signing the Manchester United man last summer on a permanent deal, but were thwarted by Cleverley’s wage demands at the time, thus allowing Aston Villa to swoop in for a loan deal.
Roberto Martinez is known to be a long-term admirer of the midfielder from when the two worked together at Cleverley’s loan spell at Wigan Athletic. Martinez most notably came to Cleverley’s defence last season when he was under a massive amount of scrutiny stating:
“You wouldn’t get this [scrutiny] in other countries. Such a young player does not need that sort of scrutiny or pressure, but I am sure he will come through it and be even more motivated.”
It’s quite obvious that Cleverley’s departure from Manchester United isn’t going to leave any fans in tatters, but the former midfielder was clearly struck hard by the somewhat fair criticism he received last term and only under Tim Sherwood does it seem he is gaining his confidence back.
Working under Roberto Martinez who claimed he “looks as if [he] could have been brought up in Holland, Spain or France”, will do wonders for Cleverley’s confidence and we may start to see a re-emergence of the midfielder next season and with how highly Sir Alex Ferguson rated him, it would be a shame to see his talent go a complete waste.
