TOM CLEVERLEY has revealed a touching gesture that Sir Alex Ferguson did for him after suffering a major injury.
The former Manchester United star suffered an injury-hit campaign during the 2011/12 Premier League season.
Tom Cleverley missed a lot of the 2011/12 season with injuryGetty
GettySir Alex Ferguson made sure though that he would qualify for a medal[/caption]
Cleverley, 34, hurt his foot in a match against Bolton and missed a lot of the season.
While he was on the treatment table, the Red Devils battled for the league title against Manchester City.
During the run-in United and City were neck and neck for the title.
In the penultimate game of the season Cleverley was back from injury but was one appearance away from qualifying from a winners medal should United clinch the title.
Ferguson’s side had a crunch match against Swansea City at Old Trafford and battled to a 2-0 lead at half-time.
With the result almost wrapped up, Ferguson through Cleverly on so he could make his tenth appearance in the league a gesture he will never forget.
Cleverley exclusively told Ladbrokes Fanzone: “The 2011/12 season was an injury-hit one for me.
“I damaged my foot quite badly at Bolton and never really recovered to hit peak form again.
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“But at the end of the season, I was actually fit and I’ll never forget what Sir Alex Ferguson did for me.
“In those days, you needed 10 appearances to get a medal, and in the penultimate game of the season, we were at home to Swansea and Sir Alex put me on for my 10th appearance of the season.
“I’ll never forget that, he didn’t have to do that, but it was just in case we did do it [win the title], it meant that I would’ve got a medal.”
United won the game 2-0 and followed that result up with a 1-0 win over Sunderland on the final day.
However, it was heartbreak for Cleverley and United as City pulled off a stunning comeback against QPR to clinch the title on goal difference.
Cleverley left United in 2015 and went on to have spells with Everton and Watford.
He retired from football in July this year as a result of injury.
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