Manchester United outcast Tom Cleverley enjoying life at Aston Villa

Manchester United outcast Tom Cleverley is enjoying his loan at Aston Villa thanks to his midfield partner Fabian Delph.

Cleverley was sent out on a season-long deal at the start of the campaign after falling behind the wealth of imported talented talent at Old Trafford.

It doesn't look like there will be a route back to Manchester for Cleverley, with Ander Herrera, Maourane Fellaini, Michael Carrick, Daley Blind and even Wayne Rooney now playing in his position.

But the former England man has found a new friend to play with in the shape of the stand-in Villa skipper.

"Fabian is a fantastic athlete," Cleverley said. "He's good on the ball. He's got everything it takes in his game to be a top, top midfielder. But what impresses me more than all that skill and quality is his attitude.

"He is a top, top pro. He works tremendously hard. He's always first in the door - and the last to leave.

"It doesn't shock me in the slightest to see someone with his mentality getting the rewards. It's no surprise. It's a life lesson really - about working hard and striving to be the best you can be.

"He can definitely inspire the young lads coming through. He's a real example for anyone wanting a role model in football.

"They should look at how hard he grafts every day and think 'that's what you need to do to be a professional footballer'. I have the greatest respect for him."