Cleverley

Manchester United's Tom Cleverley is going to be recalled from Wigan in January in order to play in the Carling Cup occasionally and sit frowning on the bench in the background of those TV replays when Alex Ferguson leaps up looking confused and bewildered whenever United narrowly miss a chance.

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While that remains the case, Cleverley is one of the few naturally forward-thinking central midfielders at the club and now appears to have realistic hopes of rounding off the most satisfactory week of his professional life by being involved in Sunday's game at West Bromwich Albion.

Tom Cleverley could be given a starting role by Manchester United 2011

While Carrick is regarded as United's best passer of the ball, Cleverley provides a more attacking option, occupying an advanced role at Wembley, with Anderson in a holding position.

Tom Cleverley could be given a starting role by Manchester United 2011

The Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley is set to make a surprise England debut at some stage in the match after Fabio Capello saw his options in midfield radically reduced by injury and illness.

Riots force police and FA into talks before England friendly 2011

Cleverley's introduction for Michael Carrick at half-time of Sunday's Community Shield against Manchester City helped United turn a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 win and persuaded Fabio Capello to call him up for the friendly against Holland on Wednesday.

Tom Cleverley could be given a starting role by Manchester United 2011

Cleverley's team-mates have also been impressed by his impact.

Tom Cleverley could be given a starting role by Manchester United 2011

Sir Alex Ferguson is giving increased consideration to starting Manchester United's title defence with Tom Cleverley in the centre of midfield because of the form that has now elevated him into the England squad before making a single start for his club.

Tom Cleverley could be given a starting role by Manchester United 2011

Capello was impressed with Cleverley's drive and enthusiasm and is aware that Ferguson sees a role for the player this season despite United's ongoing attempts to bring in another central midfielder, predominantly Wesley Sneijder of Internazionale.

Tom Cleverley could be given a starting role by Manchester United 2011

Cleverley made his first senior appearance for United in the Community Shield at Wembley, impressing as the champions overturned a 2-0 half-time deficit, but was drafted into the full England squad on Monday after the withdrawals of Jack Wilshere, Frank Lampard and Michael Carrick, whom he replaced on Sunday.

Riots force police and FA into talks before England friendly 2011

Ferguson described Cleverley as a "strong possibility" to start the season after an impressive performance in the pre-season friendly against Barcelona in Washington DC, and what he saw at Wembley may have helped to dispel any lingering concerns about whether a player who spent last season on loan at strugglers Wigan Athletic can make the step up.

Tom Cleverley could be given a starting role by Manchester United 2011