Jose Mourinho’s friendship with Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka was always going to see some Manchester United players linked with moves to Teeside.
Karanka was the Special One’s assistant at Real Madrid, but now he has carved out in his own career in management, he is still looking for a hand-up from his old colleague.
According to the Mirror, ‘Boro are interested in signing Adnan Januzaj from United, as despite his much-publicised summer fitness regime, it’s unclear whether he’s part of Mourinho’s plans.
Januzaj was an immediate hit at Old Trafford under David Moyes, but he fell out of favour with the Scotsman’s successor Louis van Gaal.
Last season, an unhappy loan spell at Borussia Dortmund was brought to a premature end and it Januzaj will be aware that this coming season is make or break.
The 21-year-old isn’t a Mourinho-type of player, but the Portuguese boss has indicated that that stereotype may change anyway as he attempts to fit in with United fans’ demands of attacking football.
Januzaj himself is extremely creative, but as United have plenty of other options in attack, his skills may be more utilised at Middlesbrough, where he can play a big part in keeping them in the Premier League.
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