Saturday 15 August 2015 18:40, UK
Adnan Januzaj’s winner against Aston Villa was a reminder of his quality, writes Nick Wright…
Adnan Januzaj’s future was shrouded in doubt in the build-up to Manchester United’s trip to Aston Villa. The young Belgian was not even on the bench for last week’s victory over Tottenham, and on Thursday Louis van Gaal was fielding questions about a mooted loan move to Sunderland.
Januzaj had not started a Premier League match in six months, but just 24 hours later he was back in the team – and he provided a timely reminder of what he can do.
Januzaj’s recall came as surprise to just about everybody. Ashley Young was the man to make way, and Van Gaal even thrust his replacement into his favoured No 10 role ahead of Juan Mata and Memphis Depay. The Dutch boss only afforded Januzaj eight starts in the whole of last season, which made this sudden show of faith all the more unexpected.
But under the bright lights at Villa Park, Januzaj seized his chance and struck the decisive blow in what was another unspectacular but effective Manchester United performance. The Reds are now unbeaten in 13 games against Villa, and their latest goal was beautifully constructed.
Mata created it with a perfectly-weighted through ball after exchanging passes with Luke Shaw, but Januzaj had plenty left to do. The youngster coolly dummied Micah Richards’ despairing dive, steadied himself and hit a low shot off the back post via a Ciaran Clark deflection.
There was an element of good fortune about the finish, but his composure and quick-thinking was impressive. Sky Sports pundit Dwight Yorke agreed. “For someone of 20 to do that, to show that composure in such a tight area, is fantastic,” he said.
Jamie Redknapp said Januzaj “played like a man with a point to prove”, and he was certainly a willing runner as he completed more dribbles than any United player despite his 60th minute substitution.
There was, however, clear evidence of rustiness in his display. Opta statistics showed he lost possession 10 times in the first half – more than any other player – and there were cautionary words from his manager after the final whistle.
He scored a wonderful goal but in all the other aspects of football you have to show it.
“He had also a lot of ball losses and in my opinion (they were) unnecessary,” Van Gaal told Sky Sports. “He scored a wonderful goal but in all the other aspects of football you have to show it. I am very pleased of course because we have won on this goal but there is more than making a goal.”
That criticism seemed harsh given Januzaj’s lack of first team action in recent months, and the Sky Sports punditry team gave him rather more credit than his manager. “He has put himself right in the equation for me,” said Redknapp. “He’s the special player in this team, I think. He can turn people inside out.”
He’s the special player in this team, I think. He can turn people inside-out.
Yorke talked up Januzaj’s ability to create a “moment of magic”, while Graeme Souness declared he deserves to keep his place in the team despite the potential arrival of Pedro from Barcelona. “There’s a raw talent there,” he said. “He deserves a run of games because he holds the key to the door.”
Indeed, while United have taken maximum points from their first two Premier League games, a combined total of just three shots on target suggest a player with Januzaj’s attacking invention is worth keeping around.
Pedro’s arrival would present a further obstacle to the youngster, but the departures of Angel Di Maria, Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao have freed up space in United’s attack.
Januzaj’s career has stalled somewhat since his explosive breakthrough in the 2013/14 season, but Friday’s winning goal ended a scoring drought that dated back to April last year, and he is eager to build on his unexpected return to the fore.
Adnan Januzaj says he wants to fight for his place at Manchester United.
“I am happy here and I will play for my place,” he told Sky Sports at Villa Park. “I haven’t had a game for a long time so my fitness is not so good but I’m happy to score for the team and get the winner.”
Van Gaal is already demanding more from Januzaj, but he would surely cherish a repeat of this match-winning contribution.
