Cleverley signs 4-year deal with Man United

MANCHESTER, England (AP) -- Tom Cleverley signed a four-year deal with Manchester United on Monday, tying the highly rated midfielder to the Premier League champions until the summer of 2015.

The 22-year-old Cleverley broke into United's first team at the start of this season and earned a maiden call-up to the England squad, but has been sidelined in recent weeks with an ankle injury.

"Tom is one of the brightest prospects in the English game,'' United manager Alex Ferguson said.

"For a young boy, he has a good footballing brain which, when coupled with his energy and ability, makes for a player with a fine future ahead of him.''

Cleverley, who spent last season on loan at Premier League side Wigan, has been touted by some as a long-term replacement at United for the recently retired Paul Scholes.

"Having grown up at the club, I'd love to be able to make a contribution to United winning more trophies,'' said Cleverley.

Last season United won its 19th English title.

In Scholes' absence, Cleverley is competing with Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher, Ryan Giggs and Brazil international Anderson for a place in United's central midfield.

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