Cleverley is raring to go

While Wayne Rooney’s contribution to Saturday’s comeback win over Hannover 96 brought the official Chevrolet Cup man of the match award, Tom Cleverley’s display was equally eye-catching.

Tom Cleverley The 22-year-old midfielder looked spritely in his first pre-season outing with United, having shone in Team GB’s Olympic campaign, and he admits he is feeling sharp ahead of the 2012/13 season.

Cleverley told MUTV: “I’ve been away for a few weeks now but to come back into a good game in a good stadium and be playing with the world class players we’ve got only helps your game, so it’s good to be back.

“I think the Olympics has been good for me. I’ve got six games under my belt including the two friendlies so I feel one hundred percent. I’m happy and looking forward to the season.”

Assistant manager Mike Phelan made no attempt to conceal his delight at Cleverley’s display, having seen fellow Olympian Ryan Giggs also make his first appearance of pre-season with the Reds.

“I thought Tom looked very, very sharp,” said Phelan. “He’s played quite a few games for the GB team so he’s probably ahead of schedule in some respects.

“Ryan probably needs to feel his way through it a little bit more, but Tom played a very, very good game for us tonight.”