What does next season hold for Tom Cleverley, Danny Welbeck and Federico Macheda?

The next generation of United stars? I for one, would certainly hope so, though with the current first team and the age, it would seem very difficult. Though these are the obstacles a proper Manchester United player needs to overcome. Here I will hazard a guess as to what next season holds for each of these 3 hot prospects.

Danny Welbeck 

Firstly, Danny Welbeck. Danny showed significant signs of improvement over the course of last season, where he spent the season on loan at Sunderland, under ex Man Utd defender Steve Bruce. Danny displayed his versatility last season, playing centrally and out wide in a front three; something that would provide useful for Sir Alex should the need for a player in that position arise.
In one of the shock, but deserved, moments of last season, Fabio Capello awarded Danny with a call up to the senior England squad, where he would make his debut against his native Ghana as a late substitute, in what would rival 2010's Carling Cup success in one of the best moments of Danny's career.
Of all these 3, I think Danny has the greater chance of making the grade at OT. However, I fear that he may find first team chances hard to come by next season, depending on how many departures there are in the striking department. For this reason, I would not complain if he went out on loan to another Premier League club next season. My preference would be Bolton after seeing what Owen Coyle has done with Jack Wilshere and Danny Sturridge.
Sir Alex has a decision to make. In my opinion, Berba, as good a player he is, needs to be sacrificed in order for Danny to get more chances next season. I was also shocked at the decision to allow Michael Owen to stay for a further year, though I genuinely feel this will be his last season at OT. After that Danny and maybe Federico Macheda, will be able to step up. With 7 striker currently on the books, some need to leave. By next summer, in order for Danny to fulfil his potential at United, Berba and Owen need to have left.
If he does stay at United this summer, then I expect him to regularly feature in the Carling Cup. The chances he gets in the league depends entirely on who else is there next season.

Great turn by Machedaaaaaaaa!

Secondly, Federico Macheda. Didn't have the best of times on loan at Sampdoria last season but it is often hard for a youngster to star in a struggling team. Ever since his debut goal against Villa, I have LOVED Macheda. The words from Martin Tyler: Great turn by Machedaaaaaaaa! as the goal went in have stuck with me ever since. Also, has the words of Andy Gray: Take a bow son, because THAT is magnificent. Add that to reaction of the crowd and the atmosphere inside OT and that makes for anyone who was there an unforgettable experience.
Macheda faces the same difficulties as Danny Welbeck next season; he would benefit from a loan if Sir Alex was to decide he would not get enough chances at United this forthcoming season. Again, I would like to see him go to Bolton to work under Owen Coyle, but if not then maybe a loan move to a mid table team, like West Brom where he would get many chances in the first team. Let's not forget - West Brom were interested in taking Macheda on loan in January before he rejected their overtures in favour of a move to Sampdoria. Who knows, maybe West Brom will rekindle their interest again this summer, then the question is, will Sir Alex be willing to loan out one of his brightest prospects. If not, then I fear another season on the fringes of the first team and cup games for Macheda, not down to his ability but due to the sheer competition for places.

Tom Cleverley

Lastly, Tom Cleverley. Tom is a player who is versatile, and can play all across midfield. This is something that Sir Alex likes in a player and is a reason why I can see him staying with us next season. Like the other two, I can see him making most of his appearances from the bench and to feature in most of the Carling and FA Cup games. But depending on who we bring in this summer in the midfield department, Tom may get the most chances of all three.
I, also, think Tom would benefit from another loan. And, again, I'd like to see him at Bolton for reasons I have already explained. Though a loan move to another top twelve club where he would get regular first team football would really aid his development as a player and help him push towards a place in the first team at Manchester United.
With Anderson, Carrick, Fletcher and Giggs as the only experienced central midfielders, and the prospect of a new signing or two to replace Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves, then there is room for Cleverley to offer depth. He can also play out wide, though with the competition of Ashley Young, Nani, Park, Antonio Valencia and maybe Ryan Giggs, then I think most of his appearances will come from a central position. We all know that Sir Alex gives youth its chance, so if Tom grasps this oppurtunity with both hands then I see no reason as to why he can't compete for a place in the matchday squad every match next season,.



My general opinion of these three is that they would benefit from either staying at the club or going out on loan again. Sir Alex has a decision to make, and I trust him 100%. In Fergie we trust.