Loans could Ad up for Red Devils
JAMES BENSON says Manchester United’s young guns should about think temporary moves away to get the game time they need
could look forward to a long Old Trafford stay, having signed a new five-year deal just two weeks after that comeback win at the Stadium of Light.
With his contract due to expire last summer, Januzaj had been linked to a host of Europe’s elite clubs before committing his future to United. Eighteen months earlier the Red Devils had seen Paul Pogba join Juventus for free when his deal ended, and they were keen to prevent another phenom from evading their grasp.
At the end of last season, Januzaj stood out as one of the most highly-rated prospects in world football. Belgium coach Marc Wilmots named him in his World Cup finals squad, Paris Saint-Germain allegedly maintained an interest in securing his signature and he inherited the famous number 11 shirt from retiring United legend Ryan Giggs.
However, under Louis van Gaal, Januzaj’s development has plateaued and the youngster has started just seven league games since the Dutchman took the reins at Old Trafford. As van Gaal has chopped and changed his tactical set-up, he has often found no room for Januzaj, who is competing with Ángel Di María, Ferreira-Carrasco, Dries Mertens and Kevin Mirallas this season, all of whom are rivals for a spot in Wilmots’ squad. And with Euro 2016 a little over a year away, Januzaj will struggle to reach the finals in France if he remains at Old Trafford. A loan move next season would offer him the stage to impress Wilmots, as well as resume his development, hopefully enough to force his way back into United’s longterm plans.
Januzaj is not alone in requiring a temporary change of scenery, though. Like the Belgian prodigy, James Wilson emerged at United last season, although he did not make his debut until the final home match of the campaign against Hull City.Wilson netted two goals against the Tigers in front of 75,000 Old Trafford spectators, prompting widespread clamour, just as Januzaj’s brace in the North East made permanent, despite his torrid season on loan from Monaco. United are reportedly interested in securing Danny Ings (Burnley) and Roberto Firmino’s (Hoffenheim) signatures this summer as well, both of whom are more experienced than Wilson. Summer arrivals could push two of United’s defensive prospects further to the fringes, too. Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett were handed their debuts by van Gaal this season, though their promotion to the first team came about due to a shortage of options rather than through their own rapid rise to pre-eminence.
With executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward prepared to sanction any deal van Gaal deems necessary, United are likely to see a number of players arrive at Old Trafford this summer. But, as history has shown, it may be wise to let a few youngsters through the exit too, albeit temporarily.