Tom Cleverely has revealed that it hurts him to be made a "scapegoat" for Manchester United's poor form this season.

The midfielder has come in for some criticism for his performances of late, with the Red Devils failing to win any of their four previous fixtures that the 24-year-old has started.

United supporters have taken to social media recently to poke fun at the England international over a perceived lack of contribution, but Cleverley insists that it is only a matter of time before fans begin to appreciate his "under-the-radar" displays.

He told The Daily Mirror: "I feel I've been made a scapegoat a little bit. A few people in the media certainly seem to have a perception of me not doing much in the team.

"When I first started getting singled out, it stung, but it's something you have got to learn to take when the team is not doing well. My job goes under the radar at times.

"I would like the fans on my side and it hurts a little bit when you have grown up at the club and love the club every bit as much as the supporters, but there are other people in the current United squad who have been through this kind of thing and they have made sure their quality shone through."

Cleverley has scored once in 18 Premier League appearances for the reigning champions so far this season.