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Manchester United Opinion – Loan trio have chance to shine under Premier League spotlight
Wednesday 01 September 2010
While Manchester United’s attempts to bring in new recruits before the transfer window deadline might have been scuppered, a number of their young and fringe players have found moves out of Old Trafford easier to come by. The likes of Mame Biram Diouf, Tom Cleverly and Danny Welbeck have secured year-long loans away from Manchester, and their success this season could point to a bright future for the club, amid speculation surrounding the longevity of their old guard, and their financial restraints.
Diouf signed for United during the last January transfer window, and after arriving with a third of the season remaining he came with a strong reputation from Norway. But United fans have seen little of the forward since his debut against Birmingham City. He’s now secured a move to Blackburn Rovers, and has already made an impact, scoring four goals in his first two matches, including a hat trick against Norwich City. Given Rovers’ agricultural style of play, Diouf should slot in ably and he’ll quickly learn about the physicality of the Premier League. It’s a great test for him.
Another forward, Danny Welbeck, a star of United’s back-to-back League Cup successes, has joined Steve Bruce’s Sunderland in another loan move. Welbeck spent some of the second half of last season at Preston, with injury bringing an end to his spell but the signing of Javier Hernandez and the return to fitness of Michael Owen has led to the 19-year old seeking a move away.
Tom Cleverly completed his loan switch to Wigan Athletic on transfer deadline day, and many United fans will be itching to see the 21-year old up close this season. He went out on loan to Watford last season, and won the club’s player of the year award during an impressive year. After staring on United’s pre-season tour to North America, Sir Alex Ferguson clearly feels its time for Cleverly to step up to the Premier League, despite him never having made a first-team appearance for the club. However, with the brand of football Roberto Martinez’s men like to play, Cleverly should fit in well.
Of the three, it’s Cleverly I’m looking forward to checking out the most. He may be without a United appearance but his performances in pre-season, without wanting to sound knee-jerk, were very encouraging. A season at the DW Stadium, although it could be a difficult one for Wigan, will not only teach him about the demands of the Premier League, but also how to pass the ball in an efficient manner. Working with Martinez could be hugely beneficial.
It’s great to see some of United’s fringe players shipped out to Premier League clubs. Not only it is terrific exposure for those youngsters, but it also gives the supporters an opportunity to access their true potential. For those who believe investment in new players this summer was far from adequate, they might want to pay close attention to the progress of this trio. They could be the future.
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