Cleverly Backed By Carrick

Michael Carrick is convinced Tom Cleverley will shine if he can get a consistent run in the United side.

The young midfielder started last term in eye-catching fashion before an injury at Bolton Wanderers disrupted his progress and he has performed well against both Everton and Fulham.

Carrick, who has watched on from centre-back in the opening two fixtures, feels Cleverley is learning all the time and can make a valuable contribution throughout the season.

"He’s got the talent and the ability," Carrick told ManUtd.com. "We’ve all seen that.

"He’s comfortable playing and dealing with the pressures that come with playing for the club in each game we play. There is no danger about that.

"It’s just about keeping the standards high – we set the standards and the hard part is keeping to that standard consistently. There is no magic ingredient for that. It’s just about learning and getting experience and the more games he plays, the better he’ll play.

"He’s a very intelligent and clever footballer," added Carrick. "It’s a shame the way his season panned out last year because he started so well.

"He’s got a lot to bring [to midfield], as we all do. That’s one of the good things about our midfielders, we all bring different things when called upon which gives the manager different options which is vital given how many games we’re hoping to play this season."

Michael was talking to ManUtd.com, BBC Radio and Key 103.