Football
10y

Tom Cleverley out to prove Man United critics wrong at Aston Villa

Tom Cleverley wants to "prove a few people wrong" as he begins a new chapter of his career at Aston Villa after a disappointing exit from Manchester United.

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Cleverley, 25, joined Villa in a late loan deal -- announced 17 hours after the transfer window closed -- following a difficult time at Old Trafford last season.

His departure was welcomed quite vocally by some United fans, but the midfielder is eager to silence his critics and prove a success at Villa Park

"I'm motivated to prove a few people wrong,'' he is quoted as saying by the Birmingham Mail. "Hopefully that will also increase my performance levels too. First of all I've got to get into the team and hopefully play some part in a successful day at Liverpool on Saturday.''

Cleverley has come under fire on social media recently -- including during a Premier League Q&A session on Twitter -- although he is more than happy to shrug off such abuse.

"I'm sure one season doesn't turn you into a bad player," he said. "That's football for you. The year before last, I won the Premier League title and played 20-odd games, so it's swings and roundabouts.

"I probably wasn't the only player to get it last year and for as long as Manchester United aren't winning trophies, players will get criticised. I've still got a league title and 13 England caps. You don't turn into a bad player just because somebody says so on Twitter.''

Cleverley has clear objectives in his mind, which he hopes to achieve by securing regular football under Villa boss Paul Lambert.

"Firstly, I've got to get into the team,'' he said. "Secondly, I've got to play well. Thirdly, I want to help get Aston Villa back up in the top half of the table where they belong.

"Then hopefully as a product of those three things I can get back into the England squad. That's exactly what Fabian Delph has done, so I want to follow in his footsteps.''

Cleverley could make his debut for Lambert's side when Villa travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Saturday.

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