Wigan Athletic Football Club

• Nickname:Latics
• Founded:1932
• Manager:Roberto Martinez

• Ground:JJB Stadium
• Capacity:25000

Latics braced for Cleverley departure

14 Oct 2010 - 09:08:12

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Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez accepts that loanee Tom Cleverley is likely to return to Manchester United at the end of the year.

The talented 21-year-old forward has been limited to just one appearance for the Latics due to a knee injury, but proved his fitness by featuring for the England Under-21s side in the last seven days.

Martinez told the Evening Post: "Obviously the injury to Antonio Valencia has increased the chance of Tom going back to United.

"There has been no contact between the two sides, but it is only natural what is occurring because Tom is such a good player.

"We all know how highly United rate Tom, that's why we had to do everything we could to get him here in the first place.

"I have always said that we have to enjoy him for every day he is here, just as we want Tom to enjoy being here at Wigan Athletic. That's all that matters, for however long that period might be.

"It's only a matter of time before Tom is playing at the very top level with United. It's not if, but when.

"We have all seen him in training and you can see by the way he behaves around the place that he is going to be a top, top footballer."