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United to keep Cleverley & Welbeck

Sir Alex Ferguson has tipped Tom Cleverley to follow Danny Welbeck into the England squad and confirmed neither player will be leaving Manchester United on loan this season.

The duo both benefited from time away from Old Trafford last term. Cleverley earned rave reviews from Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez as he helped guide the Latics to safety on the final day of last season.

While Welbeck's six goals in 26 Premier League appearances for Sunderland were enough to secure a first full cap in a March draw with Ghana. Both have now linked up with the Red Devils on their pre-season tour of the United States, having been given extra time off following England's disappointing UEFA U-21 European Championship campaign.

And, though neither youngster is likely to get as much first-team action next season as they did last, Ferguson feels it would be counter-productive to let them leave.

"They won't go on loan again," the United manager confirmed to Press Association Sport. "Going on loan only serves one purpose; keeping them happy by playing all the time.

"At their ages, it wouldn't do us any good because other clubs would be benefiting from what we could be benefiting from. Because of the experience they have had, keeping them now benefits us."

Ferguson must wrestle with a striking department even he accepts is overloaded given it also includes Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez, Michael Owen, Dimitar Berbatov and Federico Macheda. Ferguson has spoken warmly of all his forwards, and Welbeck is no different.

"Welbeck is an England international now," said the Scot. "He is an exceptional talent. And Cleverley will play for England too. He is an intelligent modern-day footballer. His movement and understanding of space is really good for a young player. We are happy both of them will stay with us."

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