Manchester United legend Nicky Butt is delighted seeing Tom Cleverley back in action.

The 22-year-old made his first appearance since October in Thursday's 2-0 win at Ajax and looks set to play a key role in the remainder of the campaign after being praised by Sir Alex Ferguson in his enforced absence.

"I've known Cleverley since he was a kid," Butt told ManUtd.com. "When I first started my coaching badges at United with Scholesy, Neville, Giggsy and Keaney, they were the team we were taking as 15-year-olds then.

"He was always a bright talent and, since he's been on loan, he's come back and been phenomenal really. He needs to keep working hard at it. I'm sure he will as he comes across as a good lad and he needs to listen to the manager, coaches and experienced pros. He can go anywhere really, he's got that much ability.

"Cleverley is a much better technical footballer than I ever was. It just goes to show how it's moving on with these players."