Argyle boss Cleverley helps Wiredu overcome abuse

Brendan Wiredu joined Plymouth Argyle in the summer from Fleetwood Town

Tom Cleverley says he has used the experience he had of fan abuse while at Manchester United to help Plymouth Argyle midfielder Brendan Wiredu.

Wiredu, 25, deactivated his social media accounts in the wake of Argyle's 3-1 loss to Barnsley last week after suffering what the club said was "a torrent of abuse from Argyle fans both publicly and privately".

He scored an own-goal, made a mistake that led - in part - to Barnsley's second goal and was booked for an on-pitch scuffle before being substituted at half-time.

Cleverley says he was able to draw on his time at Old Trafford when he was the target of abuse during David Moyes' short-lived reign as manager.

"We're not going to sit here and lie and say he had the rosiest of 48 hours after the performance," Cleverley told BBC Radio Devon.

"I think he's in good hands with the support networks he's got, and specifically myself.

"I went through that on a pretty astronomical level for a very, very big club, and I was that person for not just one weekend but for a few months.

"I know how I dealt with that, rightly or wrongly, and I'll guide him through this little period."

Following Argyle's statement, large numbers of Plymouth fans leant their support to Wiredu - who was making his debut after a summer move from Fleetwood Town.

"We must respect and acknowledge the majority of our fan base that's got right behind him," said Cleverley.

"I can pass on my experiences, both good and bad, and how the best way is to get out of these little sticky periods because you're going to suffer these moments in football.

"But he's got an incredible amount of support from within, from outside the football club, and we know he's a good player and he didn't show his best version, but he'll be fine."

Tom Cleverley was the target of fan abuse towards the end of his time at Manchester United when he was in his mid-20s