United youngster puts injuries behind him

Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley hopes his injury woes are behind him after a difficult season.

Cleverley had been expected to establish himself as a key man at Old Trafford after a successful loan spell at Wigan last season and a bright start to the campaign, but an ankle ligament problem limited his chances and he did not start a Premier League game after October. Punters may wish to use their free bet to back United to secure the Premier League title next season after missing out to Manchester City on the final day of the campaign, and Cleverley hopes his injury problems are over so he can cement a regular starting role and help his side battle for honours. "It has been a nightmare at times but I am only 22 and have around 15 years ahead of me yet. I just hope I have got it all over and done with now," he told the Manchester Evening News. "There were times during the season when I thought I was the unluckiest footballer in the world. "From a great start it became the hardest season of my life but it has made me mentally stronger." He added: "If you had said to me after the Everton game in October that I wouldn't start another Premier League game in the season I would have been massively gutted. "But that turned out to be the case and it was tough to come to terms with. "There is nothing more exciting in life than to be playing for Manchester United. To have that taken away is very hard to deal with. "I don't feel I am owed anything. I've had some bad luck and now I have just got to get on with it."