Ex-United academy graduate announces retirement ‘result of injury’

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Former Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley has announced his retirement from football, due to injury woes.

Tom Cleverley broke through the academy before making 79 appearances for Manchester United before joining Everton for free in 2015. Breaking through under Sir Alex Ferguson, Cleverley played a role in the 2012-13 Premier League win.

The midfielder scored five goals and made eight assists for United and impressed enough to earn 13 caps for England.

Cleverley made his first Premier League start in 2011 against West From. This after he was identified by Sir Alex to be the Paul Scholes replacement following the legendary midfielders first retirement.

Following his move to Everton, Cleverley returned to Watford on loan, similarly to how he spent the 2009-10 season. From here he then moved, on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee in 2017.

Cleverley went through multiple promotions and relegations with Watford before being named captain prior to last season.

Now today it has been announced that the 33-year-old has retired from football as a result of injury.

Upon retirement, via MEN, Cleverley gave a special thanks to a few important people.

“Special mentions must go to Manchester United, especially Paul McGuiness and Sir Alex Ferguson.” Along with he added, “To come through the academy and represent the first-team gives me immense pride.’

Cleverley’s injury record

With his retirement announcement, Watford added the reason for his retirement was injuries which have plagued the midfielder for years.

The Englishman missed 29 games last season due to injury, resulting to 175 days. This brought his tally for the club to 86 games missed, which is just under 50% of his total appearances for the club (181).

The primary issue has been his achilles tendon, which has seen him miss 48 games, and 326 days.

Due to this he has decided to call it a day following his most injury plagued year ever.

Watford tweeted earlier today, “Watford FC confirms that club captain Tom Cleverley is retiring from football as a result of injury.”

However they did tease the former United player has some exciting news to announce soon.