Carrick urges Clev consistency
Carrick says fellow midfielder must maintain high standards
Michael Carrick has told Tom Cleverley consistency is key if he is truly to make a big impression at Manchester United.
After spending various spells away from Old Trafford on loan, Cleverley first caught the eye 12 months ago when he was an integral member in United's flying start to the season.
A succession of injuries curtailed that involvement and also robbed the midfielder of his chance to impress England boss Roy Hodgson ahead of Euro 2012.
Now though, Cleverley has benefited from his Olympic experience, finally won his first England cap against Italy earlier this month and last weekend brought that form to the Premier League once more as he helped inspire United to their first win of the season against Fulham.
Carrick has always felt the 23-year-old was a player of potential but insists it is showing that on a regular basis which will determine how far Cleverley will advance at the highest level.
Talent
"He's got the talent and the ability - we've all seen that," said Carrick.
"He's comfortable dealing with the pressures that come with playing for the club. There is no danger about that.
"It's just about keeping the standards high - we set the standards and the hard part is keeping to that standard consistently.
"There is no magic ingredient. It's just about learning and getting experience. The more games he plays the better he'll play."
At a time when the driving force of United's midfield is still being questioned, Carrick, who has been operating as an emergency defender following a spate of pre-season injuries, feels Cleverley offers an option that could come in very handy as the weeks tick by in the battle for major honours.
Clever footballer
"It's just about keeping the standards high - we set the standards and the hard part is keeping to that standard consistently."
Michael Carrick Quotes of the week
"Tom is a very intelligent and clever footballer," he said.
"It's a shame the way his season panned out last year because he started so well.
"He's got a lot to bring [to midfield]. That's one of the good things about our midfielders. We all bring different things when called upon which gives the manager options.
"That is vital given how many games we're hoping to play this season." |
發表於 2012-8-29 11:16 AM
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