Fergie has tipped him for the top... but just who is United youngster Januzaj?

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he expects Adnan Januzaj to be among the next group of youngsters to make it into the first team at Old Trafford.

But just what do we know about him?

Who is he?

An 18-year-old Kosovo-born Belgian, plucked from the Anderlecht academy in 2011. He shares the same birthday, February 5, as former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo. No pressure, lad.

Where does he play?

He’s one of those very current and fashionable ‘floating’ midfield players. He can play centrally or out wide and drift inside into the gaps – and is not hugely dissimilar in style to United’s own Shinji Kagawa. He has excellent vision and awareness and has that knack of instinctively seeking out space and angles amongst the gangs of opponents. He has tended to start games on the right hand side of midfield, but is in fact left-footed. He is also a superb taker of set-pieces.



One to watch: Sir Alex Ferguson has tipped Adnan Januzaj (left) to go all the way at Manchester United

What does Fergie reckon?

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been impressed, this week giving the Belgian youngster the squad number 44, as the boss looks to hand opportunities to youth players after sealing the Premier League title last week. Fergie has today said: 'Younger players are the foundation for the next five or six years, like Adnan Januzaj, the Belgian boy, who’s really looking very good.'



It is not the first time the United has spoken out enthusiastically about Januzaj. Earlier this season, he told Inside United: “Adnan is a beautifully balanced player. He’s only 18 and still to grow into his frame. But he has good balance, good acceleration and he’s a very good technical player.”

How much does he want to make it?

So often, we see talented youngsters who lack the industry to go alongside the invention – Ravel Morrison a notable example - but regular observers of Manchester United at youth level have been impressed by the dedication of Januzaj and his determination to succeed.



He has had very few problems settling, and staff have been taken by his enthusiasm. Reserve team coach Warren Joyce says: 'He’s grown up a certain way and I think he has had a tremendous education over in Belgium. He’s come over here with good technique and is desperate to be a footballer as well so he’s got a lot of things going for him.'

Track record: Sir Alex Ferguson has brought through his fair share of youngsters at Old Trafford

Another young, talented Belgian! After Eden Hazard, Moussa Dembele, Jan Verthonghen and Christian Benteke, is Januzaj going to take the league by storm next season?

Well, he hasn’t made a single first-team appearance yet, except for a friendly against Aberdeen during pre-season. So, let’s not be too hasty. But there could be room for a talented midfield player in the United side next season. Central midfield has long been a concern, with Darren Fletcher unwell, Paul Scholes seemingly set to retire while Anderson flatters to deceive.



On the wings, Antonio Valencia, Nani and Ashley Young have all had poor seasons, so who is to say that Fergie will not plump for youth and unleash Januzaj and new recruit Wilfried Zaha on a consistent basis next season?

What could hold him back?

United have a good track record of giving young players an opportunity. If he’s good enough, age will be no barrier. The major concern may lie around his physique, with his body still developing at the age of 18. He suffered prolonged injury problems in his first 18 months with the club, and it is only this season that he has remained fit on a consistent basis.



Coach Joyce outlines the plan: 'Adnan is still developing but there’s no doubt he’s got talent too. He’s got a good footballing brain and a good touch. We’re trying to get him stronger and fitter and he’s getting to know the Manchester United style of play as well.'

Comparison: Januzaj is from the same mould as current United player Shinji Kagawa

And what does Januzaj have to say for himself….

He seems a nice lad and grateful to be playing football, telling the club's official website: 'Ever since I was five, I’ve loved to play football and always had the ball at my feet. I am just trying to make a career in it because I really love football and I hope to keep going and do something for the future.'

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