After a tough season, Tom Cleverley believes that he has improved a lot and is very keen to getting even better under the new Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal.
Last term, United went through a miserable campaign and Cleverley struggled to hold down a place in the team. It was a lot worse when 10,000 England fans made an online petition for the England's World Cup squad to get rid of him.
Cleverley did not shine and a series of his poor performances earned him a reputation, which meant that he had to miss out on the tournament in Brazil. In spite of these mishaps, the midfielder is still very hopeful that he will be able to bounce back this season. He openly accepted the criticisms from the supporters of United, and now, he is very eager to show over the next 12 months.
"I've got to use last season as a learning curve rather than just dwell on it," Cleverley said. "I've learned a few things, off and on the pitch."
"Obviously, being a new dad as well, you learn how to live your life better, but I've definitely learnt from it and hopefully I will improve because of it this year."
"It makes you develop a much thicker skin, and you've just got to take it on the chin. It is football."
Cleverley expressed his gratitude on the support the team is receiving from the fans, though he admitted that it did hurt when the criticisms came from their supporters. But he assured that he will do better and not dwell on the comments about him.
"I suppose it would give anyone an extra edge really, though, so yes, definitely, I want to prove a few people wrong this season."
For the pre-season play-off against Roma, Cleverley was given the captain's armband as a sign that United's new manager van Gaal has his back. Just as well, the athlete is looking forward to playing under the Red Devil's boss.
"Everyone has got to adapt to the way he wants to play, but I don't think I have got to make much adaption because he likes passers, movers and people who understand the game and I feel that I am a thinker on the pitch so hopefully I will do well under him."
Finally, he said: "I am fully hoping to get back into the squad and help up get to the next Euros."
