Adnan Januzaj Experiencing Growing Pains At Manchester United

Adnan Januzaj burst on the Premier League scene last season under former Manchester United manager David Moyes. The attacking midfielder was initially signed by Sir Alex Ferguson from Anderlecht in March 2011 and was eventually called up to United’s senior squad towards the end of the 2012-13 league campaign. Januzaj remained an unused substitute during that season, but the Belgian has been earmarked for success since his arrival at Old Trafford.

He was awarded the Denzil Haroun Reserve Team Player of the Year in 2013 before being recalled to the first team by David Moyes last season.

In October 2013, Januzaj scored twice to help United come from behind to beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, a match that would announce his presence on the English scene.

In the weeks following that match, Januzaj would show moments of brilliance which put the 19-year-old on the radar of a handful of Europe’s big clubs. In an effort to stave off interest from other sides, United agreed to improve the teenager’s contact and extend the terms of his agreement for another five years.

His inclusion into a national team became the subject of debate, since he and his parents had affiliations to a handful of European countries (Belgium, Albania, Turkey and Kosovo). After initially refusing call-ups to their senior squad, Januzaj would ultimately choose to represent Belgium on the international level. Since that decision, the Belgian has made three appearances for his country.

Januzaj is undoubtedly a talent, with the potential to be a top class player on the domestic and European stages. He is a ‘floating’ midfielder who can play centrally or out-wide and possesses the ability to drift into the gaps. He has excellent vision, awareness and has the knack of instinctively seeking out space and angles amongst opposing defenders. Speculation is his best position may be as a number 10.

During his first season with United’s senior squad, the most impressive thing about the teenager was that he never appeared to be overwhelmed by the magnitude of the event. While other prospects have struggled to adapt to the Premier League and new teammates; Januzaj showed the inventiveness and daring of a young player, but also the poise and decision-making of a mature footballer. He not only fit in with his United teammates, his counterparts seemed reliant on the young Belgian to help them win games.

A number of young players are hyped up by the English media, only later to be exposed as overrated flashes in the pan. But Januzaj looked to be the goods.

This season, the arrival of new signings and a new manager raised questions about the Belgian’s future at the club. Although Januzaj had just been signed to a long term deal, United’s new wealth of attacking options put the 19-year-old prodigy on the fringes of the squad to start the season.

In recent weeks, after strong showings for United’s U21s, Louis van Gaal has given the youngster a crack at the starting eleven. Januzaj started his first match under Van Gaal against West Brom a few weeks ago and has appeared in successive matches since that time.

But this season, the Belgian’s performances haven’t lived up to expectations. Whether it’s because he isn’t being used in his preferred position, is struggling to adjust to a new manager/teammates or simply needs more time to develop physically; Januzaj’s second season in the Premier League is a far cry from his first.

His creativity and adventurousness are no longer on display. Januzaj has looked indecisive and lethargic for long stretches of matches. More often than not, the midfielder is seen standing on his heels and is second-best when it comes to responding to the development of play. He appears to be reacting to the movement of the ball, instead of reading the game and predicting its flow.

Van Gaal has also required his squad to defend as a unit. This is something Januzaj has also grappled with during his sophomore season at the club. He appears physically overwhelmed or just disinterested while defending.

This weekend’s encounter saw the teenager start out-wide on the right against Crystal Palace, only to see him substituted after 60 minutes in favor of Juan Mata. To that point in the match, Januzaj had offered very little in attacking quality and appeared to be continuing his recent trend of average performances.

Januzaj’s growing pains at United are similar to the struggles Oscar had at Chelsea. The similarities between the two players is undeniable.

The 23-year-old Brazilian play maker showed moments of brilliance during his first few seasons in England. But his lack of physicality and defensive work nullified his attacking skill and creativity. It wasn’t until Jose Mourinho came in and demanded more complete performances from the Brazil international that Oscar began to turn the corner as a force on the field.

This season, the Brazilian has transformed his game and Chelsea are benefiting from his overall development as a footballer. Oscar has the confidence of his manager and now plays with a combative edge on both ends of the pitch. He puts as much aggression and effort into his defensive duties as he does into his attacking responsibilities.

As much as they might not want to hear it, United fans and Januzaj should take note of what has transpired with Oscar’s career over at Stamford Bridge. The Brazilian suffered through growing pains while adjusting to a new league, teammates and a handful of managerial changes since his arrival at Chelsea in July 2012; but has come out a better player.

Januzaj is now playing for his fourth manager in three years with United (Ferguson, Moyes, Giggs and Van Gaal). The Belgian has also had to adjust to playing with different teammates on the reserve, Under-21s and first team levels at the club during that time.

But this is all part of the learning process and it’s something players have to accept when they sign a contract at a professional football club. They can’t allow change and challenges to effect their performances on the pitch.

To his credit, coaches and teammates have professed to Januzaj’s work ethic in training and on his own. The midfielder wants to be one of the best players in the league and Europe.

How Januzaj handles all of this pressure will determine the course of his career. United supporters will hope that the young Belgian doesn’t experience his growing pains for too much longer.