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Moyes criticises media over Cleverley

Manchester United manager David Moyes has criticised an online campaign to ban midfielder Tom Cleverley from England's World Cup squad.

The petition, which accuses the 24-year-old of "inept" displays, has gained more than 15,000 signatures.

England boss Roy Hodgson was critical of it in midweek, and Moyes said Cleverley is "a fantastic young player who is developing all the time".

"He is a great trainer. He never gives it less than 100%," the Scot added.

Cleverley's England record Caps: 13

Goals: 0

Won: 6

Drawn: 4

Lost: 3

"I am surprised that the media would be picking something up on social media and making a big case out of it because that is wrong."

Moyes also said central defender Nemanja Vidic would continue as United's captain despite Inter Milan confirming the Serb will join them in the summer.

The Red Devils are seventh in the Premier League and travel to West Brom for Saturday's lunchtime game 12 points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, who also have a game in hand.

In September, the Baggies beat the champions at Old Trafford for the first time since 1978, one of eight league defeats United have suffered this season.

Moyes, who replaced Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer, knows he cannot afford any more defeats if United are to avoid missing out on qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in 19 years.

The 50-year-old said: "We need to get back to creating more opportunities. I actually think we have played quite well in games.

United defeats in the top flight The last time Manchester United lost as many as eight of their opening 24 games in a league season was in 1989-90, when they lost 11 times and finished in 13th place. United have now lost more games than in any Premier League season since 2003-04, when they lost nine in total.

"When we have tended to score first, we have gone on to get positive results. Play has not been bad but results need to improve.

"You want the creativity. The introduction of Juan Mata has helped that but, when chances are not being created, you need to keep the back door shut and make sure you are not chasing games."

Moyes has thanked the club's fans for their loyalty in a magazine sent to United season ticket holders, and admitted to a "difficult" first season in charge.

He said: "If you are a football supporter, you understand what loyalty is. You follow the team when doing badly and when doing well.

"I think at the moment the Manchester United supporters realise there are some changes taking place and they understand that their time will come again."