Former Manchester United star Tom Cleverley surprisingly picked one manager ahead of Sir Alex Ferguson as the “best coach” he played under in his career.
Tom Cleverley rose through the ranks of the Manchester United youth academy before earning his Red Devils debut under Sir Alex Ferguson.
The 35-year-old English midfielder was part of the last United team to lift a Premier League title in the 2012-13 campaign before Ferguson’s retirement.
Cleverley made 79 appearances during his time at Old Trafford and the former United midfielder scored five times and registered seven assists for the Red Devils.
Ferguson had tipped the former England international as a long-term midfield prospect, but Cleverley struggled to establish himself as a regular starter.
Cleverley fell down the pecking order under former United manager David Moyes before ex-Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal deemed him as surplus to requirements.
Cleverley snubs Man Utd legend Ferguson
Tom Cleverley would leave Manchester United in 2015 and went on to play for Everton, with the former England midfielder later being loaned out to Watford.
He spent time out on loan at Watford during his United career before Cleverley signed for the Hornets in 2017 after his exit from Everton.
Cleverley saw out the remainder of his playing career at Watford before calling it time on his football career in 2023 due to injuries.
The former Everton player took his first steps into coaching after his playing career ended and Cleverley became Watford manager in 2024.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Cleverley snubbed Sir Alex Ferguson as his “best coach” after praising his experience under former Watford boss Marco Silva.
“The best tactically and the best coach,” he said.
“I went out every game knowing exactly what he wanted from me. He was clear and thorough with his message.”
Cleverley is optimistic about Man Utd
Cleverley admitted that he had not expected to see United “struggling” to challenge for a Premier League title since Ferguson bowed out of Old Trafford in 2013.
However, the Watford manager insisted that it is a “difficult period” for United and expects things to change for the Premier League club in the future.
“One of the things growing up in the academy at United was that success was just so normal,” Cleverley said.
“Being brutally honest, the dressing room at Sunderland when we lost it [the Premier League title in 2012 on goal difference to Manchester City], the pain wasn’t too bad. Because you always thought that the trophies were going to come at United.
“So when we won again in 2013 it was great and you just naturally felt you are going to back it up with [more] trophies.
“I did not think I was going to be sitting here 11 years later and they [United] are struggling even to challenge for one, never mind win one. It’s a difficult period, but the good times are ahead of them.”
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