The Dutchman has made it known that the young Belgian does not fit into his vision for the club at this point in time, but the Red Devils are making him delay a loan move
EXCLUSIVE
By Paul Clennam
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has told Adnan Januzaj that he has no place in his current plans, but the club have told the Belgian to wait before sealing a January loan.
Januzaj, handed Ryan Giggs’ No.11 shirt at the start of the season following a sparkling debut campaign in 2013-14, has struggled for appearances under Van Gaal so far and is not expected to win a place in the Dutchman’s line-up any time soon.
The 19-year-old is understood to be upset by his current situation and is keen to play regular football elsewhere, with David Moyes’ Real Sociedad and Aston Villa having made enquiries in recent weeks.
Porto are another club to have been linked with a move in the British press, but Januzaj has been told to wait until nearer the end of the transfer window, which closes on February 2, before a final decision is made.
Van Gaal, who started the season using a 3-5-2 formation before returning to it in November thanks to a defensive injury crisis, does not deem Januzaj capable of playing as a wing-back.
- deem – menganggap
Januzaj had started four matches in a row between late October and mid-November, but Van Gaal’s switch back to 3-5-2 produced a 2-1 victory away to Arsenal, which in turn sparked an 11-game unbeaten run, and the Belgian has managed just 27 minutes since.
Former United boss Moyes, who was sacked last April, was a huge admirer of Januzaj and his new club, Real Sociedad, are keen to take him to Anoeta on a short-term deal.
Villa, who currently have Tom Cleverley on loan from Old Trafford, are also eager to reach an agreement as they look to pull away from the relegation zone having not scored a league goal in five matches since drawing 1-1 with United on December 20.
- spark – memercik
- relegation – pengasingan, penurunan pangkat
Belgium team-mate Marouane Fellaini raced to the bench to celebrate with Januzaj after scoring United’s opening goal of the 2-0 victory at Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.