Midfielders Rodrigo Possebon and Tom Cleverley, as well as defender Craig Cathcart, were flown out last week to South Africa to join the first team in their pre-season.
With an hour played last Saturday, Cleverley was on the scoresheet in United’s 4-0 win over the Kaizer Chiefs, after putting away the ball from a Danny Simpson cross, headered down by Wayne Rooney.
“It’s been an unbelievable day and I’m pretty speechless,” he said after his debut. “I got the call on Tuesday to say I’d be coming out to South Africa so it’s all happened very quickly. I came on and did quite well and got a goal – I feel very proud. I’ve done well in my first match, but I want to stay there and carry it on into the season. I’m just a down to earth lad from Bradford and to see Scholesy coming on to play next to me was unbelievable; you have to pinch yourself. It’s great to play with the likes of Tevez and Rooney and it really helps you to raise your game. Hopefully I can continue to do that.”
So, what’s he been up to since?
Three days after his goal in South Africa, Cleverley is back in England, along with Cathcart, Campbell, Possebon, Simpson and Gibson, playing in the Lancashire Senior Cup final against Liverpool.
United were victorious, beating the dippers 3-2, taking the lead with every goal they scored. It was Cleverley who opened the scoring for United with less than half an hour played, thanks to a break from Campbell down the right wing. Liverpool levelled the score before Campbell again provided a goal, this time for David Gray. Again, the dippers pulled one back, with less than 20 minutes left to play, with the game looking to be decided on penalties.
However, with time running out, Cleverley bombed down the left wing, finding second-half substitute, Danny Drinkwater, to coolly score the winner.
All in all, it’s been a very good week for young Cleverley, and here’s hoping for many more!
Man Utd News 24/7
yes! i thought he looked strong in south africa.. and quick on the pitch. i would love to see a lad so clearly enamored with our club make it into first team in some capacity. with the likes of him, possebon and campbell.. i’m really looking forward to seeing them get appearances and utilize their quickness and determination to show their worth for us
Like the look of Cleverley, maybe he is another Paul Scholesy – lets hope eh?. I think Evans was immense for us in Africa etc, and I think he will be very good stand in for Vidic, to give him some rest in some of the games. Campbell, he may be alright on the small stage, and admittedly has speed, but his balance is SHITE, and I cannot see what all the fuss is about. Sorry!.
By the way, either the Spanish press are the absolute epitome of proverbial liars, or Ronaldo is playing devious silly buggars with everyone. I think it is Ronaldo’s agent who is Push, Push, pushing for this transfer, so he can go home with his pockets STUFFED with his big percentage of the sale. Agents are slime!.
tbh, I would like to see that young team there plus some of the fringe 1st-team players have a run in the Carling cup again this season. Give them some experience plus a chance to play with first-team members. That will not only develop them faster, but give them a bit more confidence, plus they learn to play the United way, rather than going out on loan to lesser teams in lesser divisions.
i’m not being cynical here, next scholes..i sure hope so… havent we heard these comparisons , enuf n more times, it is alwys like this, fletcher was the next lampard(no offence, but he has still a long way to go, eagles was the next giggs n beckham combined, unless these guys make an impact rightawy there doesnt seem to be any chance, ‘m sure keepin my fingers crossed!
That picture looks great. Ryan and Tom, past and future of United and Britain. Hopefully Cleverly will establish himself as a great player.
Evans was in fine form ,cathcart looked v promising the new scholes is a bit much but as long as he keeps improving ill be happy
opps meant cleverly.
as for campbell he knows where the net is but his touch etc is not United 1st team class if we can get good money for him Id be tempted to sell him
I agree with jimmy Bob. It was Cathcart and Evans who were the most impressive in my mind. Cathcart looks very comfortable on the ball, refuses to panic and be shrugged off and his distribution is good. Evans kept things tight in defence. I can see now why Fergie let Pique go.
http://www.buyingcheap.co.uk
Evans would go places,I dont want man u to let him go,he can act as a cover up for either vidic or rio,as for tom cleverly,he is a promising star,i was really impressed with his display in south Africa,and rodrigo is the next scholes,belive me or not,I like the way he run things on the pitch