Cleverley tipped to take Scholes role

Manchester United youngster Tom Cleverley has been tipped to replace recently retired Paul Scholes at the heart of the team's midfield.

Scholes recently called time on an illustrious career which included ten Premier League triumphs, three FA Cup victories and two UEFA Champions League medals.
While many at the club initially focused on paying due tribute to the midfielder, recent attention has been channeled to finding a suitable replacement for Scholes and his playmaking abilities.
United have been heavily linked with a move for Inter Milan's Wesley Sneijder and Tottenham's Luka Modric, both brilliant footballers in their own right, although the latter has since spoken of his desire to move to rivals Chelsea.
However, Wigan coach Graham Barrow believes a replacement could already be waiting at Old Trafford in the form of Cleverley.
Barrow has watched over the England U-21 international for the past season, with Cleverley having been on loan at Wigan, and not only feels that the youngster has what it takes to break into the United first-team, but also to take over the playmaker role.
"I fully expect him to make his mark at Old Trafford and challenge to take the Paul Scholes role," Barrow said on the Daily Star earlier this month.
Cleverley has since played down the comparison, admitting it would take a lot of hard work to reach anywhere near the level of the ex-United maestro.
"It was nice to hear that comparison from Graham," Cleverley told the People on Saturday. "It adds a bit of pressure but it's always nice to be likened with a quality player like Paul.
"He's been a great player for the club and I know I have a lot of hard work before I get on to his level."
Nonetheless, Cleverley is keen on playing his part to replace Scholes next season, and expects to be presented his chance by manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
"If I can fill a bit of the hole he [Scholes] has left then that would be brilliant.
"I spoke to the boss [Ferguson] and he said he wants me in the team next season, and I am sure we will chat again over the summer about what his plans are for me."
Cleverley is currently away on international duty at the European U-21 Championship in Denmark.
He insists he is fully focused on doing well for England at present, but is looking forward to getting back to wearing United colours in the pre-season.
"I am working very hard at the finals with the U-21s, and hopefully I can impress the boss at the same time.
"Then I will go on the tour of America in July, looking to make an impact and work my way into the United team.
"I'm just thinking about having a good season at United - but that has to start with a good summer first."
Despite being hampered by injury early on last season, Cleverley worked his way back to fitness and managed to make 25 appearances for Wigan, scoring four goals along the way.