Man United’s Tom Cleverley braced for ‘biggest game’ of his career

Tom Cleverley has insisted he is braced for the “biggest game” of his young career when Manchester United take on Liverpool on Sunday.

The 23-year-old has featured in three of the Red Devils’ four Premier League games after the midfielder made an impressive start to the season for both club and country.

However, the England international is yet to play in a north west derby, and Cleverley is relishing the opportunity to take part part in a high-octane match at Anfield this weekend.

“It’s fair to say this would be the biggest game I’ve played in for United if I’m involved,” Cleverley told United’s website.

“But it’s not just a big game for me, it’s a big game for the club and of course there’s a lot of focus on this particular match.

“Liverpool haven’t started so well so I’m sure this will be like a cup final. Meanwhile, we’ve won our last three games so we’re hoping to build on that.

“It’s important we maintain that momentum. It’s a massive game for the team.”

Cleverley progressed through United’s academy en route to breaking into Ferguson’s first-team, and the playmaker revealed even the youth games between Liverpool and the Red Devils were hotly contested.

“It was still a crunch match,” added Cleverley.

“You always looked forward to the Liverpool and Manchester City games. There was something extra about those games and winning those games always felt better, especially away from home.

“There was always a lot of satisfaction when you beat Liverpool on their own turf so it would be nice to feel that again. Hopefully I’ll be having that feeling again on Sunday night.”