“In 2002, I was playing for Independiente and knew that Manchester United were interested in me; we had arranged a meeting. Then Middlesbrough approached my agent, they wanted to see me before United.
26.09.2023 - 17:49 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Former Manchester United player Tom Cleverley says Manchester United have 'never been further away' from winning the Premier League title than they currently are under Erik ten Hag.
Cleverley, who has now taken up a coaching role with Championship side Watford, came through the United academy system before going on to make 79 appearances for the Reds, scoring five goals and registering eight assists between 2008 and 2015. But under David Moyes, and later Louis van Gaal, Cleverley struggled to cement himself in United's first-team plans after an initial bright start and joined fellow Premier League side Everton following the expiration of his contract at Old Trafford.
The former midfielder was, however, a part of the last United squad to win the Premier League title under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. He has now given his assessment on whether the current crop of United players are good enough to follow in that team's footsteps.
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When asked whether United are on the right track under Erik ten Hag by Sky Sports, Cleverley said: "I like to be optimistic but you have to be realistic and I don't think they've ever been further away, to be honest. The strength of the other teams, not only do you have your usual competitors but you've got the introduction of Aston Villa, Brighton and Newcastle so it's going to be very, very difficult.
"I hope I'm wrong. I hope they can have a good run in the Champions League but as far as domestically in the league, it's a massive, massive task and I think you have to be realistic about that."
The former midfielder also opened
“In 2002, I was playing for Independiente and knew that Manchester United were interested in me; we had arranged a meeting. Then Middlesbrough approached my agent, they wanted to see me before United.
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