Cleverley: I Have Got More To Give

Tom Cleverley shares his mid-term thoughts as the 2013/14 campaign heads into its most hectic period...

You’re well into double figures for club and country appearances this season. How would you reflect on the first four months?
Well, it’s always nice to play for United and England because both of the squads are so strong but at the moment, I feel like I’ve got more to give. 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 standout performances.

How big a blow was Michael Carrick's injury and conversely, how much of an opportunity has it given his fellow midfielders?
Any team in the world that would lose Michael Carrick would feel the loss, there’s no denying that. But yes, it has given a chance for other players to play and step up to the plate. For example, Phil Jones has come in for certain games and done really well. Phil [Jones], Giggsy, Felli [Marouane Fellaini], Ando [Anderson] and myself are all chipping in and if we’re consistent then hopefully we won’t miss Carras too much.

Do you have to adapt your game depending on who you are paired with in midfield?
Yes, definitely. Sometimes if I am playing with Jonah [Jones] or Carras, they’d be the deeper one. Or if I’m with Felli or Giggsy, then I’d be the deeper one. So it does change with who you’re playing with. But we’ve played enough games now for us to have learned and understood each other’s style.

Do you feel you’re still learning more about the defensive and attacking aspects of midfield?
Yes, I’m definitely developing the defensive side of my game and tactically the manager is teaching me a lot of things so that’s coming on. 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.

Which performances would you pick out as your best to date in 2013/14?
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, as my best so far.