FORMER Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley revealed the one manager he thinks was better than the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson from a “tactical” and “coaching” perspective.
Cleverley, 35, climbed through the ranks at United after an eight-year stint in the academy and received his first senior call-up under Ferguson in 2008.
The ex-England international spent just over two years playing for Sir Alex and won the Premier League in 2013, just before the Scottish great rolled credits on his glittering 27-year stint at Old Trafford.
After five goals and seven assists in 79 appearances, the midfielder left the Red Devils in 2015 for Everton, who loaned him out to Watford two years later where he swiftly made a permanent move.
That was where Cleverley claims he met the “best coach” in his entire 15-year playing career.
And that was none other than Marco Silva, even though he was in charge of the Hornets for just a year until his sudden departure in 2018.
The ex-United ace claims Silva was capable of setting up a team so that “every decision made such sense to us as players”.
Cleverley told The Telegraph when asked about Silva: “The best tactically and the best coach.
“I went out every game knowing exactly what he wanted from me. He was clear and thorough with his message.”
Cleverley, who retired in 2023, is now following in Silva’s footsteps as he took over as Watford manager in April after an impressive month serving as interim boss.
And the rookie head coach, who has gone 13 home games unbeaten, met the Portuguese tactician, who now manages Fulham, in a pre-season friendly at Motspur Park in July.
The Cottagers picked up a comfortable 6-1 victory over the Hornets and Cleverley admits: “We got a good serving.”
The two managers could meet again next season as Watford are currently sixth in the Championship table thanks to their impressive young boss.
