Januzaj challenged to step up at No10
LOUIS VAN GAAL hopes Adnan Januzaj has emerged from his ‘ second- season syndrome’.
Januzaj was hailed as a wonderboy after a stunning debut campaign for Manchester United during David Moyes’ ill- fated 10 months in charge but went backwards under Van Gaal last season.
After capping a lively 30- minute cameo as a substitute with the third goal in United’s 3- 1 win over Champions League winners Barcelona in California on Saturday, the 20- year- old Belgium international was challenged by Van Gaal to prove he is good enough to force his way into the team on a regular basis in the No10 position he favours.
Van Gaal said: “I have given him a chance in this position and you have to look if he can do that or not. But he has a lot of quality and against Barcelona he showed it for the fi rst time.
“He was very good and was a threat as a striker in his 30 minutes. He always gives an option for midfi elders and defenders, he scored a wonderful goal and that is always important.
“He always fought with two defenders, but he did well, although it was easier for him against the defence when Gerard Pique was substituted.”
Wayne Rooney ended an eight- game barren club run with United’s fi rst and Jesse Lingard got the second moments after Van Gaal had made 11 changes. Rafi nha pulled one back for Barcelona, who were without Copa America trio Lionel Messi, Neymar and Javier Mascherano, before Januzaj’s strike.
Van Gaal refused to get carried away by the result, adding: “It is nice to beat Barcelona but it doesn’t say anything – we have to deliver when we have to compete with them. Maybe, I hope, in the Champions League.
“We have won all three of our pre- season games now, but all that matters is Tottenham on the opening day of the season.”
RICHARD TANNER