transfer deadline day, believing the experience would most hasten the promising youngster's football education. He was soon validated, as Cleverley turned in a string of impressive performances and became an integral part of Roberto Martinez's side as they staged a late-season rally to avoid relegation.

It was evident that he was ready for a crack at United's first team and he was rewarded with a new four-year contract in October 2011, which will keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2014/15 campaign. Shrugging off the bad luck regarding injuries, he is at the stage of his career where it is widely

acknowledged he must prove he has the consistency to become a key figure at Old Trafford.

Certainly the signs are positive following his performances for Great Britain at the Games as he looks every inch an international-class footballer and will be confident of bringing his neat, positive play back to the United side.