Manchester United finished last season as Premier League champions.
It wasn’t their most impressive title victory but they claimed it by sheer grit and determination. The Red Devils have strengthened their squad this summer.
However it’s the players who impressed on-loan elsewhere last season that will have a chance to prove themselves next season.
Striker Danny Welbeck impressed with Sunderland, before picking up a long-term injury.
The other youngster who is likely to see more first team action for United next season is midfielder Tom Cleverley. The England under-21 international spent last season on-loan at fellow north-west club Wigan.
Return
Both players have now returned to their parent club with far more top flight experience under their belt, having played in the majority of games at their loan clubs last season. They return to United far better players.
Form
Welbeck impressed so much at Sunderland that he earned an international call-up to the full England team. His form also brought him to the intention of Ghana, birthplace of his father. However he turned down the invitation because he wanted to represent the Three Lions.
Welbeck proved with Sunderland that he is ready to play a bigger part in the Manchester United team next season.
Survival
Cleverley was part of the Wigan team which escaped relegation from the Premier League towards the end of last season. Cleverley played a key part in the Latic’s escape from the drop.
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez was hoping to keep hold of the winger for next season. However United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has decided to keep hold of the youngster for next season.
Strength
Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley are now capable of being squad players for the champions next season. They may not play every game or be in every Manchester United squad but they are likely to tot up far more first team appearances for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side. Manchester United are likely to play a lot of games next season and these youngsters are the sort of players that are vital to the clubs success.
Home-grown
Manchester United’s youth academy has produced some fine players down the years. However in recent years youngsters have struggled to retain their places in the United squad and have been moved on elsewhere.
It feels like the end of an era with Paul Scholes retiring at the end of last season. He was the last of that golden generation of youngsters who came through the United youth system in the mid 1990’s.
Regulars
The question is can these young players become real Manchester United first team regulars. These players are certainly full of potential but we won’t know if they are truly Manchester United quality till a few years down the line.
Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley are a good example of how a loan spell at another club in the Premier League can benefit everybody. I know the players will certainly feel like they have gained a great deal from their loan spells. They now have a better chance of establishing themselves at Old Trafford next season.
Can Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley establish themselves at Old Trafford next season?
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