Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck Happy to Leave Manchester United

Tom Cleverley says he and Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck are happy playing every week after leaving Manchester United in the summer transfer window.

The midfielder and the striker came up through the ranks of United's youth setup and were part of the squad in the last few seasons. However, Red Devils manager Louis van Gaal was not keen to include the duo in his plans for this season.

Cleverley joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan and his contract at Old Trafford runs out at the end of the season. The England international has not been handed a new deal and the 25-year-old believes he will not wear the United shirt again in his career.

Welbeck joined the north London club on a permanent transfer and has been a regular inclusion for Arsene Wenger's side. The former United striker scored his first career hat-trick for Arsenal during their 4-1 Champions League victory over Galatasaray

Cleverley claims he and his compatriot are enjoying playing regularly for their respective clubs.

"I'm sure we're both [Cleverley and Welbeck] happy to be on the pitch and playing 90 minutes every week. Leaving United is definitely not the end. We both came up through the academy and were living the dream at the team we grew up at," Cleverley told the Telegraph.

"I wouldn't change it for the world, I've played in the Champions League, I've played for my country and won the league. But United is not the be all and end all."

"I always knew Danny would take his opportunity. I don't think people realise how technically good and quick he is. I am not a big cinema person but I went the other night and missed his hat-trick!"

"Last year at times it wasn't enjoyable and you play your best football when you're enjoying yourself. I certainly am enjoying myself now, so hopefully that can show for Villa on the pitch."

"As a team, individually we weren't good enough last year. I'm not going to say I was a scapegoat because we all got criticism."

"That's not something I look back on. It has made me a stronger person. I am just looking forward now. Every footballer wants the best opportunity to play and I felt like it was here."

"I don't see this as a backward step at all. I see this as getting back to basics, playing every week and pushing on from here," the England midfielder concluded.