FORMER Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley revealed the one manager he thinks was better than the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson from a “tactical” and “coaching” perspective.

Cleverley, 35, climbed through the ranks at United after an eight-year stint in the academy and received his first senior call-up under Ferguson in 2008.

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Cleverley claims Marco Silva was the ‘best tactically and the best coach’[/caption]

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The ex-England international spent just over two years playing for Sir Alex and won the Premier League in 2013, just before the Scottish great rolled credits on his glittering 27-year stint at Old Trafford.

After five goals and seven assists in 79 appearances, the midfielder left the Red Devils in 2015 for Everton, who loaned him out to Watford two years later where he swiftly made a permanent move.

That was where Cleverley claims he met the “best coach” in his entire 15-year playing career.

And that was none other than Marco Silva, even though he was in charge of the Hornets for just a year until his sudden departure in 2018.

The ex-United ace claims Silva was capable of setting up a team so that “every decision made such sense to us as players”.

Cleverley told The Telegraph when asked about Silva: “The best tactically and the best coach.

“I went out every game knowing exactly what he wanted from me. He was clear and thorough with his message.”

Cleverley, who retired in 2023, is now following in Silva’s footsteps as he took over as Watford manager in April after an impressive month serving as interim boss.

And the rookie head coach, who has gone 13 home games unbeaten, met the Portuguese tactician, who now manages Fulham, in a pre-season friendly at Motspur Park in July.

The Cottagers picked up a comfortable 6-1 victory over the Hornets and Cleverley admits: “We got a good serving.”

The two managers could meet again next season as Watford are currently sixth in the Championship table thanks to their impressive young boss.

IN Ayden Heaven, it seems Arsenal have got one hell of a player.

The 18-year-old centre-back made his competitive senior debut in the Gunners’ 3-0 win at Preston in the Carabao Cup fourth round – from the bench in the 80^th minute.

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Ayden Heaven is greeted by Mikel Arteta after his debut against Preston[/caption]

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The defender (right) made his Gunners bow in the Carabao Cup at Deepdale[/caption]

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Heaven (second left) with other Arsenal academy stars after beating Bolton in the Carabao Cup[/caption]

Before that, he was one of several academy stars to feature on the club’s pre-season summer tour of the States with boss Mikel Arteta starting him against Manchester United.

Heaven – standing at 6ft 3in and a left-footer – was at fault for United’s opener, outmuscled and outpaced by Rasmus Hojlund, but he recovered well as Arsenal won the game 2-1.

He has gone from strength to strength since then, looking good on living up to his potential and the lofty expectations Arsenal have of him to succeed.

HOW DO THEY PLAY AND WHO DO THEY REMIND YOU OF?

The first thing you notice about Heaven is his size and physicality, the body of a young, raw Patrick Vieira who is not afraid to get stuck in.

As shown against Hojlund in the summer, Heaven still needs time to bulk up and prove he can mix it with the biggest and most intimidating strikers in the Prem.

But Arteta is happy to remain calm in that department, mainly because of Heaven’s technique and calmness on the ball.

Avid watchers of Arsenal’s academy sides know Heaven very rarely loses his cool, appears unflappable in possession and has the ability to ping cross-field balls like a prime Steven Gerrard.

Arteta will be hoping Arsenal have another William Saliba-style defender in the making – one who is big, quick and able to start attacks from deep.

TELL US ABOUT THEIR RISE?

Heaven is extremely highly thought of at Arsenal, having also made the bench for Arsenal’s last 16 first Champions League clash at Porto back in February.

He is now a trusted member of the senior squad, expected to step up when called upon, especially after Arsenal’s injury woes at the start of this campaign.

After featuring against Preston, Heaven said: “I’ve waited a long time. Today the day finally came, I’m just happy. I thank my team-mates, my family and everyone that’s got me here.

“I feel like Mikel has trust in me. I feel that’s a big part in it and yeah, I just feel like there’s trust when it comes to making your competitive debut.”

Heaven signed for the Gunners in 2019 after being released by West Ham as a 12-year-old, having also had trials at Chelsea and Fulham – turning down the latter because training was too far from his north London home in Edmonton.

Before being picked up by Arsenal, he played for Sunday League outfit Levels – a grassroots club who give players opportunities to compete against elite football academies.

But Arsenal were always going to be his first pick given he was a boyhood fan – his idols being Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott.

Heaven explained: “Arsenal were knocking on the door and that made more sense given that, firstly I’m a fan, but also the location was much more convenient.

“Hale End was only a 15-minute drive, so everything fell into place perfectly. Signing for the club I’ve supported and my mum was so happy for me – she even cried!

“My family are so important, they’re my motivation, I’ve got two younger siblings and an older sister that mean the world to me.”

Heaven flourished under former Arsenal U18s coach Jack Wilshere, helping him get chances in the first team and training under Arteta at London Colney.

The teenager added: “The intensity is crazy! You get dizzy sometimes because it’s at such a quick tempo. The difference between under-18s, under-21s and the first team is unbelievable.”

I don’t know how many players are able to do that on a stage like this at his age

ARTETA AFTER PRE-SEASON GAME AGAINST MAN UTD

WHAT ARE THE EXPERTS SAYING?

Arteta is not one for over-hyping a young player too quickly, but the Spaniard had some nice words to say about Heaven after the pre-season victory over United.

He said post-match: “At 17, I don’t know how many players are able to do that on a stage like this.

“He’s lost a duel against one of the strongest and fastest players in the world, it can happen.

“But the reaction afterwards, the composure, the quality, the body language that he had were all remarkable. I’m really happy with him.”

WHAT DOES THE NEXT 12 MONTHS HOLD?

Heaven’s future at Arsenal is not set in stone. After signing scholarship terms with the club last summer, he is yet to begin serious talks over a new deal.

His contract expires in June 2025. There is confidence an agreement can be made for such a young talent in the coming months.

If not, there are big European clubs sniffing around, including Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, who famously developed young English stars like Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham and Jamie Gittens.

A California man woke up from surgery after stabbing his wife and himself — and immediately confessed to also killing his mother, police said.

"I don’t regret working with him," she clarified in a recent interview.

So, there’s one to file under “things I never thought I’d see in my lifetime.” Dating in New York is a circus, but this? Next level. I should have known by his little smirk.

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