---
title: "Player spotlight: Adnan Januzaj"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2015/03/01/player-spotlight-adnan-januzaj/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Articles"
published: "2015-03-01T22:02:00Z"
modified: "2015-04-13T23:32:47Z"
---

# Player spotlight: Adnan Januzaj

Adnan Januzaj, Manchester United’s Belgian whizkid produced yet another inspirational half of football against Sunderland yesterday. After replacing Dì Maria who, I have to say with gritted teeth, once again under performed, the 20 year old reproduced his scintillating form from the 2013/14 season. It’s too early to say for sure, but the black cats are fast becoming to Januzaj what Arsenal have become for Rooney. With 2 goals in a 2-1 win over Sunderland on his full debut last season, Januzaj managed to register his first assist for Manchester United in the league with his shot proving to hot to handle for Pantilimon, giving Wayne Rooney the chance to score his and Manchester United’s second of the game.

With Angel Di Maria failing to emulate his prowess from last season at Real Madrid, there could now be the opportunity for Januzaj to start producing his best and pushing Di Maria for a spot in the starting XI. It can only be a positive; a young rising talent learning off of one of the biggest stars in world football and by giving Van Gaal a decision to make, it could reignite Di Maria’s form.

Van Gaal spoke after the Sunderland match about Adnan’s performance and said “I was very happy that he registered an assist for the first time, it’s something I like to see from every player.” Ashley Young also commented on Januzaj’s performance stating, “He was terrific. As a winger, you want to get the ball and run at your full-back. He did exactly that, did exactly what the boss asked him to do at half-time. It was a great performance by him.”

If Januzaj can keep making progress and developing with Manchester United, then the future looks bright. It’s in Manchester United’s DNA to attack and up until Sir Alex’s departure, it’s been all about the wingers. If Van Gaal can get the players he wants in the summer and Di Maria finds his form, then Manchester United have a promising future on the flanks. Even if Januzaj wants to be or is deployed in the no.10 role, Ashley Young has found his feet again after a strong first season with Utd and is fighting for his place in the team. No matter what the end of the season brings, it looks increasingly likely that Manchester United’s young talent has the potential to blossom into a first team regular and a key player for the coming years.