Manchester United star Adnan Januzaj was criticised by manager Louis van Gaal after their 0-1 win over Aston Villa, despite scoring the winning goal, reports the Daily Star.
This has cast doubt over the 20-year-old’s future at Old Trafford, with Sunderland keen to sign him either on loan or permanently. If Barcelona ace Pedro completes a mooted move to the Red Devils [Sky Sports], then the youngster’s future will only become more clouded.
“We will have to wait and see. I was pleased with his goal,” said van Gaal, “It was a wonderful goal, but you have to do more than just score a goal. He lost the ball too many times. That was less good. I didn’t substitute him because of that because I’d told him he would play 60 minutes.”
However, the player himself seems happy at United, even with fierce competition for his place from Memphis Depay, Ashley Young, and Juan Mata.
“I am feeling good after scoring that goal. Obviously, I have not had a game for a long time. My fitness is not so good, but I am happy to score the winner,” said the forward, “I hope to have more games and hopefully score more goals. Talk of me going out on loan was only rumours. I am happy here. Of course, I am going to fight for my place.”
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The Belgium international has seen his development stall under van Gaal, after making vast strides under his predecessor David Moyes. Last season he made 21 appearances in all competitions, a full 14 less than the 35 that the Scot had given him in 2013-14. The start against the Villans was his first since February. This may entice the winger in to leaving in order to get more game time.