How to fit the talented youngster in after surprise exit talk.With stories emerging today that Juventus could be on alert to sign Manchester United youngster Adnan Januzaj on loan in January, CaughtOffside takes a look at a tactical change that could keep him in the starting XI more often.
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The immensely talented 19-year-old has unsurprisingly struggled at Old Trafford this season with the arrival of some big names in midfield such as Angel Di Maria and Ander Herrera, but he remains an asset worth keeping.
Louis van Gaal may not have a place for him at the moment with so many midfielders to choose from, but reverting to three at the back in this suggested formation change could prove useful for the club as they don’t want to risk losing a player who could go on to become one of the best in the world in his position.
Although other big names won’t exactly be delighted by the change, this is how United could line up to keep Januzaj happy amid interest from Juventus.
Goalkeeper and defence:
Reverting back to a back three, Luke Shaw looks like being the player to miss out here as he will no longer have the left-back slot to fill. The young England international may already have fallen out of favour this season after reports of fitness problems during pre-season and then an injury keeping him out for the start of the campaign. Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Marcos Rojo take up the three centre-back spots, though Shaw could be a useful substitute for the left-flank in a more attacking role.
Midfield:
In a four-man midfield, Ander Herrera and Daley Blind can continue to form a fine partnership in the centre, with Juan Mata and Angel Di Maria taking up the wide positions and likely swapping sides from time to time. Although this could impact Mata in particular, the Spaniard has played as a winger in the past and can still influence the game from there.
Attack:
With a new-look front three, Adnan Januzaj could find his best role in the side as a supporting striker from out wide. The Belgian has played both as a winger and a number 10 before, and could do well to swap places with Wayne Rooney just behind Radamel Falcao as the main centre-forward. This formation leaves no room for Robin van Persie, though with the Dutchman getting on a bit now, it is worth United building for the future and fielding Januzaj as often as possible in this new role. The youngster could also swap places with either Mata or Di Maria in this formation, as all three are fairly comfortable in any of these attacking midfield roles.
Man Utd 3-4-3 XI with Januzaj in full: