Cleverley has caused a stir by saying that it’s unfair to blame in for United’s failures.
After another disappointing result against Fulham on Sunday, Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley has spoken about being singled out for criticism.
The England international didn’t actually play in that game, but has been a prominent figure in the Red Devils side this season with 26 appearances in all competitions.
The point with the Cottagers at Old Trafford came courtesy of a late Darren Bent equaliser and leaves the Premier League champions languishing in seveth position.
United are almost certain not to retain their title this term, but more worryingly with them nine points off fourth-placed Liverpool, even a Champions League spot is looking unlikely.
Cleverley has come under fire for being unadventurous in midfield and never passing the ball forwards and has come to serve as a figurehead for the side’s failures – something which the 24-year-old is trying to not be affected by.
“When I first started getting singled out, it stung, yeah, but it’s something you have got to learn to take when the team is not doing well,” Cleverley told the Mirror.
“My job goes under the radar at times. I am not a player who’s going to beat three or four people and stick it in the top corner or go round tackling people like Roy Keane.
“I feel I’ve been made a scapegoat a little bit. A few people in the media certainly seem to have a perception of me not doing much in the team.
“Don’t get me wrong, I know I can do better but people are making a big thing about how I don’t score enough goals when that is not necessarily my first job in the team.
“My confidence has been a little bit low at times this season.
“There is not much worse for a player than getting it off his own fans.
“I don’t mind hearing stick off 19 of 20 Premier League clubs. But when it comes from your own fans, it hurts a little bit more.”
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