Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed his delight at midfielder Tom Cleverley's return to the Manchester United squad.

Cleverley has recently recovered from injury after being absent for several months, and Ferguson has lavished praise on the 22-year-old.

Ferguson said: "He is a very clever footballer. He has got a quick brain in terms of appreciation of passing.

"He gives us more ammunition in midfield, which a few months ago everyone was starting to worry about."

The midfielder recently revealed his relief at returning to first-team action at Old Trafford.

Cleverley is expected to start his first game since August against Ajax in the Europa League on Thursday night.