Adnan Januzaj determined to prove his worth at Man Utd
Monday 17 August 2015 16:24, UK
Adnan Januzaj accepts he was below his best for Manchester United last season but he is determined to establish himself in Louis van Gaal’s first-team plans this term.
The Belgian attacker was one of the few bright spots for the Red Devils during David Moyes’ ill-fated season in charge when he broke into the side as a precocious young teenager.
First-team opportunities proved more difficult to come by last season however as Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao were lucrative additions and Ashley Young experienced a career resurgence.
Januzaj’s development stalled as he was mostly confined to the United bench and appearances for the reserves.
The experience was a wake-up call for Januzaj and prompted he and team-mate Luke Shaw - who also enjoyed an uneven campaign - to bring a fitness coach on holiday to Dubai with them so they could hit the ground running this season.
The move has had a positive early impact for both players as Shaw has seized the starting left-back role while Januzaj earned praise from Van Gaal on the preseason tour.
The United boss was rewarded for handing Januzaj a rare Premier League start against Aston Villa when he responded with the match-winning goal and the 20-year-old is hoping that strike can kick-start his career at Old Trafford.
"I’m ready to get back to my best and do everything that I can do,” Januzaj said.
“Of course [I’m improving], the manager has spoken to me a few times and I felt that I haven’t been myself but I hadn’t had many games, so hopefully I can play more this year.
"I've not played for a long time, so I was happy to score my first goal of the season.
“I’m happy to play and give everything for the manager and the club. I'm happy at United and I'm happy with the way the manager has worked with me."
Januzaj’s progress so far this season was epitomised by the fact he was chosen to accompany Van Gaal to his press conference to preview Tuesday’s Champions League qualifier first leg against Club Brugge - an honour that would have been highly unlikely 12 months ago.
With Januzaj alongside him, Van Gaal was asked about the Belgian’s progress and he left him in no doubt that he must continue to work hard if he hopes to become a regular in United’s starting 11.
“Last year he had eight starts and 14 sub appearances. To say he hasn’t had chances isn’t a fair assessment,” Van Gaal said.
“He had to compete with 24 players last year, and he is 20 years old. The characteristics of a young player are that he’s not consistent and he has to show that this season.
“It’s possible, but at a club like United, you never have a guarantee of a position in the top 11. Every player here knows that, and because of that we have a very good team spirit."
