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By SAM BROOKES Published: 00: 53 AEST, 7 May 2025 | Updated: 01: 23 AEST, 7 May 2025 4 View comments A former Manchester United star has been sacked from his first manager's job. Tom Cleverley, 35, who made 79 appearances for United between 2011 and 2014 and won the Premier League in Sir Alex Ferguson's last season, joined Watford as a player in 2017 and spent the final six years of his career at the club. He then took up an academy coaching role before replacing Valerien Ismael as manager last March, initially on an interim basis. In his only full season in charge, Cleverley led the Hornets to a 14th-placed finish in the Championship, but that has not proved enough for him to keep his job. Announcing their decision on Tuesday, a club statement read: 'Watford FC confirms the departure of Tom Cleverley as Head Coach. 'Cleverley stabilised performances at the end of the 2023/24 season in an interim position before his full-time appointment last summer. Former Man United star Tom Cleverley (pictured wearing No 23) has been sacked by Watford He leaves Watford after just over a year in charge, after also spending the final six years of his playing career at the club Cleverley won the Premier League with United in Sir Alex Ferguson's final season in 2012-13 'At one stage, the Golden Boys were part of the play-off picture but, unfortunately, performances and results drifted with just five wins in 2025. ' Sporting Director Gian Luca Nani added: 'We thank Tom for his service – not just in his role as Head Coach but for everything he has given Watford as a player and member of staff. 'But the time has come for a change and to build on what we believe is a young and talented squad that will have benefitted from the experience of the Championship this season. 'It has been a privilege to work closely with Tom; to understand how he sees the game and his enthusiasm for everything here. He deserves to be recognised for this and I’m sure he will have a bright future in the game. 'Tom will always be part of Watford in recognition of all that he has achieved over so many years. ' Watford have had 20 different managers since 2012, and are now looking for another one to replace Cleverley. Cleverley, who also won 13 England caps, took charge of 52 Watford matches, winning 19, losing 24 and drawing nine. Watford failed to win any of their final five matches, with a 1-1 draw on the last day against Sheffield Wednesday ending a run of four straight defeats.
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