Cleverely: ´I can replace Scholes´

Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverely is setting the bar high as he aims to fill the void left by the retirement of Paul Scholes.

Scholes, 36, called time on his United career at the end of last season after 17 years as a mainstay of the first team at Old Trafford.

Cleverely, 21, is yet to establish himself with United – he has spent time on loan at Leicester City, Watford and Wigan Athletic in the past two seasons.

But despite his relative inexperience, the former Bradford City youth team player is confident United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will give him the chance to impress with the English Premier League champions.

“Paul Scholes’ boots are very big ones to fill,” Cleverely told the Manchester Evening News.

“He’s been a winner and a great player.”

“Any team is going to miss a player of that ability. But as always somebody has to step up.”

“You hope that given the chance you can, along with everyone else, give something so he is not missed as much.”

United have been linked with big-money moves for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Luka Modric and Inter Milan playmaker Wesley Sneijder in the off-season.

While acknowledging the need to recruit at the highest level, Cleverely also hopes the solution to strengthening the United midfield could come from within Old Trafford.

“I hope I can put my case forward and save the club some money,” he said.

“Wigan have helped me and I feel I am ready to tackle the job at United.”

“I have spoken to the manager. We have had two or three discussions. They were good chats and he will be speaking to me again after the European Championships.”

“I know United will be buying players this summer. The reality is that United are the biggest club in the world so they are going to be interested in the best.”

“They will be linked with players and they will buy top players. You grow up at the club knowing that will be the case. That is part of the challenge.”

“But we all know the manager promotes young home grown players so you have to show you are good enough.”

“After the experiences at Wigan I know what it takes now at Premier League level. I want to be part of the manager’s plans.”