Roberto Martinez: Tom Cleverley’s Winning Mentality Will Boost Manchester United in Championship Bid

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Dec 29, 2011

Roberto Martinez: Tom Cleverley's Winning Mentality Will Boost Manchester United in Championship Bid

Roberto Martinez thinks Tom Cleverley's return from injury will boost Manchester United's bid to repeat as Premier League Champions. The Wigan manager tips Cleverley's winning mentality to give United an edge over other contenders, according to Goal.com.

"Tom Cleverley is a player you need to work with to understand the full package," Martinez said. "The mentality he's got is quite unique. He's a winner and we all see what he can do.

"Tom will be refreshed and that could be the key for United. He's going to be fully fit and it's going to be like having a new signing. He can make a big impact on the title race."

Cleverley and Martinez worked together last season, when Cleverley played for Wigan.

The 22-year-old midfielder's impressive performances in the preseason earned him a place in the Red Devils' starting lineup in August. United burst out of the gates to an early lead in the Premier League, but it slowed after Cleverley suffered ankle ligament damage in September.

The injury kept him out for six weeks. He played less than an hour in two games at the end of October, before the recurrence of the injury sidelined him again. He missed United's next nine games.

The United Academy product is reportedly close to a return to fitness, and it cannot come soon enough for Sir Alex Ferguson. He will provide relief for a United squad which has been decimated by injury as he has earned praise for his work rate and passing ability.

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Photo via Flickr/moonsdale

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