Nicky Butt: Tom Cleverley is "phenomenal"

Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has described Tom Cleverley as a "phenomenal" talent.

22-year-old Cleverley made his return from an ankle injury during United's 2-0 Europa League win over Ajax last week.

Butt, who spent 12 years at Old Trafford, believes that Cleverley possesses all the potential to be a regular in the United starting lineup.

"I've known Cleverley since he was a kid," Butt told the club's official website. "When I first started my coaching badges at United with [Paul] Scholes, [Gary] Neville, [Ryan] Giggs and [Roy] Keane, 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 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."

Cleverley has made five league appearances for the Red Devils this season.