Tom Cleverley joins Aston Villa on season-long loan

Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan. The deal extended a day after the transfer deadline day as Premier League board's approval was required to complete the formalities.

Tom Cleverley joins Aston Villa on season-long loan

New Delhi: Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan. The deal extended a day after the transfer deadline day as Premier League board's approval was required to complete the formalities.

However, Manchester United have an option to take back the 25-year-old when the winter transfer window opens in January. Also, Villa have an option to buy the player during that period.

Cleverley's contract at Old Trafford expires in the summer of 2015. He is a product of United's youth system and was rewarded with a four-year-contract by the club in October 2011.

The England international has 79 United appearances to his credit. However, he has not been able to make a mark as Michael Carrick's midfield partner at the club. Cleverley managed to score just one goal in the 2013-14 campaign.

With Louis van Gaal taking over at United, it was expected that some of the players would be sold or sent away on loan. Cleverley did not impress the Dutchman during pre-season, which is why he has been allowed to leave.

The midfielder also failed to make it to England's World Cup squad and was on stand by. Cleverley has been left our of the Three Lions' friendly against Norwary on Wednesday as well as the Euro 2016 qualifiers.