Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson is planning major surgery on his midfield following the retirement of Scholes and Owen Hargreaves' release.
Aston Villa's £15m England winger-***-forward Ashley Young is set to be imported as part of the strategy and United fans are hoping that the stellar signing of Inter Milan's Wesley Sneijder comes off.
But 21-year-old Cleverley is aiming to build a case for his name to be in the frame.
The midfielder begins England Under 21s European Championship bid in Denmark against Spain and, after a successful season on loan at Wigan, hopes to remind Fergie that he can cut it in the competitive jungle of the Reds engine room next season.
“Paul Scholes' boots are very big ones to fill,” Tom told M.E.N Sport.
“He's been a winner and a great player. Any team is going to miss a player of that ability. But as always somebody has to step up. You hope that given the chance you can, along with everyone else, give something so he is not missed as much.
“I hope I can put my case forward and save the club some money. Wigan have helped me and I feel I am ready to tackle the job at United.
“I have spoken to the manager. We have had two or three discussions. They were good chats and he will be speaking to me again after the European Championships.
“I know United will be buying players this summer. The reality is that United are the biggest club in the world so they are going to be interested in the best.
“They will be linked with players and they will buy top players. You grow up at the club knowing that will be the case. That is part of the challenge.
“But we all know the manager promotes young home grown players so you have to show you are good enough. After the experiences at Wigan I know what it takes now at Premier League level. I want to be part of the manager's plans.”
In a bid to improve his Old Trafford portfolio Cleverley was a keen student at Wembley when United were taken apart by Barcelona in the Champions League final.
“As a United player and fan it wasn't a great experience at Wembley but as part of my education it was a massive lesson for me,” added Tom.
“From my point of view to study at close quarters Messi, Xavi and Iniesta was invaluable. Messi is wonderful but I think I can model my game on Xavi and Iniesta and also Pedro.
“The movement from those guys is incredible. They are not massive physically but they stay on the ball. They shield it so well. They used their body brilliantly.
“I need to get that into my game. My upper body strength has to be better but it is not all about working out in the gym it is also about how you use your body.
“They also out think opponents and that is something else I need to learn from them.
“Hopefully picking up those bits and bobs plus all the experience I will get at the European Championships will mean I will be a better player and ready for the challenge at United.”
Just wanted to post this article btw ! He can play all over the midfield which is great....