FOOTBALL NEWS

07/03/2014 14:51, Report by Mark Froggatt

David Moyes has thrown his weight behind Tom Cleverley and backed the Manchester United star to shine in the face of recent criticism. 

Reports emerged this week of a petition questioning Cleverley's place in the England squad, a story that has already drawn criticism from Three Lions manager Roy Hodgson and Roberto Martinez, who once signed the midfielder on loan for Wigan Athletic.

Now, speaking during a press conference at the Aon Training Complex ahead of United's trip to West Brom, Moyes has launched a passionate defence of the 24-year-old and explained why he has the attributes needed to achieve success at Old Trafford.

"First and foremost, I'm surprised the media are picking up on something from social media and making a big deal of it in the way it's come about in the first place," the boss told reporters on Friday. 

"Tom Cleverley is a fantastic young player who is developing all the time. He's a great trainer here, someone who is the first out every day. He does his best in training and never gives it less than 100 per cent.  

"From my point of view, that is why Tom will be successful. But I'm a bit surprised people in the media would cover those sorts of things and you would ask me that kind of question."

More: Boss ready for West Brom

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