Manchester United are close to tying Adnan Januzaj to a long-term contract to recognise his emergence as a player Sir Alex Ferguson has described as "one of the most promising talents" to come through the club's youth team.

Januzaj, an 18-year-old Belgian signed from Anderlecht two years ago, came on for Robin van Persie as a substitute in the Community Shield on Sunday and will be part of David Moyes's squad when the Premier League champions begin their defence at Swansea City on Saturday.

United are keen to recognise his potential and not risk losing him in the manner of Paul Pogba, who was also highly rated by United's coaching staff but offered only a small salary and eventually left for Juventus. Talks have already taken place about a new contract and an agreement is not far off.

Januzaj, an attacking, left-footed wide player, has played a prominent part in United's pre-season schedule, with Moyes and previously Ferguson confident he is ready to move up to the first-team squad.