Cleverley set to join Everton

Tom Cleverley is set to leave Manchester United on a free transfer this summer to join Everton, bringing his 14-year spell at Old Trafford to an end.

At Goodison Park, Cleverley will re-join Roberto Martinez, who coached the 25-year-old when he was on loan at Wigan, a spell during which the soon-to-be former United midfielder, who will sign a five-year deal with Everton, produced some of the best football of his career.

Cleverley’s performances on loan at Wigan and Watford had suggested he would thrive in a United midfielder looking already featuring Michael Carrick and, an albeit ageing, Paul Scholes.

Tom Cleverley on his way to #EFC as free agent. Will be a five year contract via @TimesSport http://t.co/VXUp10XNrz #MUFC #AVFC

— James Ducker (@DuckerTheTimes) June 4, 2015

However, following a couple of inspiring displays in the early stages of the 2011-12 season, Cleverley who suffered a serious ankle ligament injury after being fouled by Bolton’s Kevin Davies, never quite regained his form. Under David Moyes, Cleverley became to epitomise everything that was wrong with the Scotsman’s reign and was roundly criticised by United fans, who are unlikely to miss him.  

It’s half worth remembering that Cleverley was strictly instructed to stay behind the ball by Moyes. Crazy I know, but true. Explains a lot — James Ducker (@DuckerTheTimes) June 3, 2015

A decent campaign on loan at Aston Villa this year seemed to suggest that the 25-year-old had found his level and he could well thrive at Everton, particularly given he will play for a manager he knows and for a team that has regenerated players before.