Former Arsenal and Aston Villa star Paul Merson says Tom Cleverley deserves his chance at Manchester United.
In his column for the Daily Star, Merson wrote: "Cleverley's an example of someone who's had to do things the hard way in the game. I saw a lot of him when he was on loan at Watford.
"He was absolutely outstanding for them. Then he went on loan to Wigan, a struggling team, and did really well there too. A lot of young players go into the first team and think they've made it. But he's done it the hard way.
"Watford turned into a really good team when he was there and then he helped Wigan beat the drop and secure Premier League safety. Alex has done terrific with him.
"He's watched his progress the whole way. Wherever he's been, he's done outstanding. He deserves his chance for United now and I'm really pleased for him because he's had it hard.
"I don't want people to read this and get the wrong idea, though. I don't mean he's had it hard in the way some people have to work their guts out on a 9-to-5 job, but he's had to play at tough clubs.
"It's not like any of the clubs he's been loaned to were going to win their league, is it? So he's had to do it in struggling sides, and that's tough for a young kid. When I saw him at Watford, I thought he was a big talent.
"Playing in the Premier League is a whole different story, but he did well for Wigan, so he's proved he can do it. He also played really well against Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley last Sunday."
