Highly-rated Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley has joined Watford on loan until January.

Hornets boss Malky Mackay will be delighted with the signing of England Under-20 international Cleverley as earlier this month United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said a number of Premier League and Championship clubs had shown an interest in the youngster.

Cleverley, who celebrated his 20th birthday last week, has yet to make a competitive start for the Red Devils but scored in the club’s final pre-season friendly with Valencia and has been in previous squads.

The midfielder made 15 appearances on loan at Leicester City during their successful League One campaign, scoring two goals, before his season was ended due to a dislocated shoulder.

His return to fitness saw him join the same England Under-20 squad as Watford’s Ross Jenkins last week and Cleverley scored two goals in the 5-0 win over Montenegro.

The Basingstoke-born midfielder, who grew up in Bradford, has also been nominated for Manchester United’s player of the year award for the past two seasons running.

To see Cleverley’s goals for England Under-20, click here.