Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley has revealed his interest in making his loan move to Aston Villa permanent.
Cleverley, who was deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford by Louis van Gaal, is enjoying his football at Villa Park this season - something he feels is helping with his game.
The 25-year-old told The Telegraph: "It's a classy club. I've always come to Villa Park growing up as a kid to watch United in semi-finals and England games so I knew it was a big club. Could I stay here? Yeah definitely, I'm enjoying myself. We have a great midfield and I like working under the manager and Roy [Keane] so why not?
"Last year at times it wasn't enjoyable and you play your best football when you're enjoying yourself. I certainly am enjoying myself now, so hopefully that can show for Villa on the pitch. As a team, individually we weren't good enough last year. I'm not going to say I was a scapegoat because we all got criticism.
"That's not something I look back on. It has made me a stronger person. I am just looking forward now. Every footballer wants the best opportunity to play and I felt like it was here. I don't see this as a backward step at all. I see this as getting back to basics, playing every week and pushing on from here."
Aston Villa host Premier League champions Manchester City in today's late kickoff.
Phil Archbold
