Manchester United manager David Moyes still seems unsure about his best team after nearly a season in charge at the club. One of the splatters who looked as if he would become a symbol of United under the Scot was Adnan Januzaj.
The 19 year old exploded on to the scene with two goals against Sunderland in the autumn but his impact has waned as the season has gone on. He already has a creditable 29 appearances under his belt in his debut season which is no mean feat for one so young at Manchester United.
But, the only discernible flaw in the youngster’s game reflects one of the major problems with the team. This Manchester United side lacks pace and Januzaj, likened in some quarters to Lionel Messi no less, can’t count blistering pace amongst his myriad talents.
It’s problem for the player and the club. Januzaj is yet another Manchester United player who likes the ball to feet instead of looking to run in behind the defence and get onto through passes. His speed can be coach to an extent but a player of his quality will have to found a regular place in the side before too long.
We have oft opined that Januzaj is more of a central creator. Like Mata he doesn’t have the speed to make a mockery of the full back so he does his best work inside. At 19 Manchester United can use him sparingly for another year or so. But with so many natural number tens in this side Januzaj may struggle to make that position his own for some time.
On the flip side, this guy is so good that he can do a job anywhere on the park. In his favour as a wide man, he’s got a sensational deliver, so end product won’t be problem wherever he plays.
But Manchester United fans and Adnan himself may have to be a little patient over the next 18 months of his career.
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