In a disastrous campaign for Manchester United in the 2013-14 Barclays Premier League under David Moyes, there were very few bright moments. None were brighter than the resurgence of a young lad born in Belgium to Kosovar-Albanian parents. His nationality became the talk of town with Albania, Kosovo, Turkey, Belgium and even England hoping to add the talented midfielder to their ranks due to his undoubted talent.
Signed from Anderlecht in 2011, Januzaj played with the U-18 and U-21 sides for Manchester United and had his first appearance in a match-day squad on a memorable day—Sir Alex Ferguson’s final game against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns. Though Januzaj did not feature in that match, he was expected to feature more in the following season.
Pre-season started under the management of David Moyes, and youngsters Jesse Lingard, Wilfried Zaha and Adnan Januzaj were the most impressive. David Moyes used the technically-gifted midfielder in a number ten role where he excelled, his most impressive performance coming against Sevilla in Rio Ferdinand’s testimonial game. He could do nothing wrong, as he ran the opponent’s defence rugged, though Manchester United lost the game 3-1. At this stage, the talks of ‘New Ronaldo’ were not far off. He made his competitive debut for the Red Devils in the Community Shield win over Wigan, coming on for Robin Van Persie in the last six minutes of the game.
Despite the promise shown during pre-season, the youngster, however, started the season playing a peripheral role. His first Premier League appearance came against Crystal Palace after the international break in September, replacing Ashley Young in the 68th minute. Januzaj never looked backed and went on to impress with his performances. He was handed his first start in a Manchester United shirt by David Moyes against a struggling Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. He repaid the manager’s faith by scoring two goals after the Red Devils came from behind to give the away side a 2-1 victory. The front covers of Monday newspapers were dominated with headlines such as ‘Next Ronaldo’, ‘The New Number 7,’ among other headings which followed Januzaj’s first start for Manchester United.
With his contract set to end and many of Europe’s elite hoping to take advantage, Manchester United ensured there was no repeat of the Paul Pogba case and quickly signed a five-year contract. Januzaj pulled the strings for the Old Trafford outfit on the wings. Unlike the likes of Nani and Zaha, who use trickery and skill to get past defenders, Januzaj uses his body shape and shifts his balance to glide past opposite numbers. The midfielder could also pick a pass and was not lacking confidence—something Manchester United players seemed to have lost at that time. He went on to surpass Nani, Young and Valencia as the first choice on the wings.
Adnan Januzaj’s international career was still undecided, with Belgium, Albania, Turkey, Kosovo and England still trying to convince United’s number 44. However, Marc Wilmots announced that Januzaj had committed himself to the Belgian National team in April. Januzaj booked himself a spot on the plane to Brazil for the 2014 World Cup. Januzaj was never expected to start ahead of the likes of Eden Hazard, Dries Martens and Kevin Mirallas at the World Cup and the Belgian spent most of his time on the bench.
After a faultless first season, much was expected of the young Belgian, even more so under the management of new boss Louis Van Gaal, who is known for developing talent, but that promise has not materialised so far. At the start of the season, Januzaj was handed the number 11 jersey previously donned by his mentor and current Assistant to LVG, Ryan Giggs. Januzaj, given an extended break by Van Gaal due to the Belgian’s World Cup commitments, played in Manchester United’s opening game defeat to Swansea, coming on for the injured Jesse Lingard in the first half.
Louis van Gaal prefers a 3-5-2 system which uses wing-backs, therefore wingers Nani and Zaha had to be loaned out as they had to either adapt to the wing-back position or play as strikers. Some have pointed to the system as the reason for Januzaj’s less promising campaign, as the Old Trafford boss has used him in the wing-back and central midfield positions—roles which do not fit his strength. However, Adnan has proved his class to be above the U-21 side, as he’s dominated play with goals, assists and a hat-trick against Sunderland. The number 11 has had a few run-outs on the wings for the Red Devils this season, but he looks short of ideas on the ball and seems to be lacking confidence. But with David Moyes’s Real Sociedad showing interest in taking the midfielder on loan, this would suit both the player and the team who have not been able to give him regular first team football.
With the January transfer window open, the midfielder, who is currently out injured, needs to start impressing Van Gaal or look to go out on loan, with PSG also showing interest. However, with Lucas Moura, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Javier Pastore competing for the French outfit’s wings, a move to the Ligue 1 giants would not be the best option. This month will show where Adnan Januzaj will end up and whether he can start firing again.
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