Fergie keen on Clev recall

Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted he could recall Tom Cleverley from his loan spell at Wigan in January.

The Manchester United midfielder, who has previously enjoyed successful loan spells with Leicester and Watford, has been limited to one appearance for the Latics so far because of a knee injury.

The 21-year-old moved to the DW Stadium on a season-long loan in August but Fergusonreckons Cleverley could be ready to fight for a spot in the United first team in the New Year.

He told Inside United: "We'll probably bring Tom back in January. Tom's going to be a great footballer, I really like him.

"I've heard the fans are starting to talk about Tom, and I think they're right to do that because he could very well be the next top player to come through the ranks."

Cleverley had been expected to stay at Old Trafford this season but Ferguson had a change of heart because of the competition for places.

The United boss continued: "I felt it could be hard to give him enough football. I think five or six months on loan could really help him. He'll benefit from first-team football in the Premier League.