- Birthdate: 05 Feb 1995
- Birthplace: Brussels, Belgium
- Position: Winger
- Joined United: 01 Jul 2011
- International: Belgium
- United Debut: 11 Aug 2013 v Wigan (N)
Adnan Januzaj is a creative force, able to pull the strings in an advanced midfield position and carve out openings with dynamic wing-play when finding himself on the flanks. A beautifully-balanced player, it is obvious to see why he is so highly regarded at Manchester United.
After a fantastic first season in the Reds’ side under David Moyes, Adnan’s second term was not quite as fruitful, with the arrival of Angel Di Maria and the dazzling form of Ashley Young restricting his involvement. Still, the future remains extremely bright for Januzaj who was given the honour of wearing the club’s no. 11 shirt following the retirement of club legend Ryan Giggs, and the young charge deserves credit for knuckling down and working hard behind closed doors. His improved physique is the obvious by-product of his hard graft, something that he will surely reap the benefits of before too long.
Januzaj, who signed a new five-year contract with the Reds on 19 October 2013, joined the club in 2011 from Anderlecht, one of the top clubs in Belgium - the country of his birth. Many observers eagerly anticipated him pulling on a red shirt and he did not disappoint, showing off his ability on the ball from the moment he started playing for United at Under-18 level. Playing with an upright style, always looking at the options open to him, he was threatening to become a key figure for Paul McGuinness' team after opening his goal account against Crewe Alexandra.
However, a serious injury abruptly ended his 2011/12 season and meant he was unable to participate in the latter stages of the FA Youth Cup. At least he was given a glimpse of the future when travelling with the Reserves squad for the final match of the club's campaign - the Manchester Senior Cup final at the Etihad Stadium. After forcing his way into the Under-21 side on a regular basis, he earned praise from Sir Alex Ferguson.
"Adnan is a beautifully-balanced player," said Sir Alex. "He's only 18 and has to grow into his frame but he has good balance, good acceleration and is a very good technical player."
Despite performing in some unfamiliar roles, including as a lone striker, Januzaj warmed to the task and was influential in the Barclays Under-21 Premier League success - even if he only found the net once in the competition. Sir Alex handed him a shirt number, 44, and a place on the bench in his final match in charge at West Bromwich Albion.
It was only a matter of time before he made his first outing under Sir Alex's successor, Moyes, and, sure enough, the new manager included the teenager on his first pre-season tour. His impressive form in a handful of friendlies yielded his first-ever senior goal, a header in the win against Kitchee FC in Hong Kong.
Januzaj went on to make his official - or competitive - United debut as a substitute during the 2-0 triumph over Wigan Athletic in the Community Shield at Wembley. His bow for the club proved to be the springboard for the young Belgian, whose campaign would go from strength to strength as he became an ever more important part of the Reds' starting XI.
He scored his first goals for the club in the 2-1 win over Sunderland in October and the memorable brace, which included a stunning volleyed winner, prompted team-mate Michael Carrick to comment: "Those were two great finishes; he's got a great attitude and lots of ability. He looks a proper player."
Following a barnstorming arrival into the Reds first team, he was rewarded with a new five-year contract in October 2013, committing his future to the club that had firmly placed faith in him. Keen to continue his fine form, Adnan bagged another strike for the Reds in the 3-1 win over West Ham in December as the tricky winger helped United to a six-game unbeaten run over the hectic festive period. He also appeared in all seven January fixtures, chipping in with two assists.
A sensational opening season for the boy-wonder came to a close with further positives as Januzaj received a call-up to Marc Wilmots' Belgium squad for the 2014 World Cup. Though his opportunities were limited in Brazil, Adnan managed to make his senior debut at a major competition for the Belgians as the winger played 60 minutes in the 1-0 group stage win over South Korea.
He managed 21 appearances in Louis van Gaal's first campaign and showed flashes of his undoubted talent, with one performance against Sunderland, the victims on his full debut, standing out in particular. "I'm still only 20 and that's what people forget," he told MUTV towards the end of the season and that needs bearing in mind as he strives to pin down a regular place in the manager's line-up.
