Sunderland’s Stadium of Light witnessed one of the great debuts when the beleaguered David Moyes handed a first start to Adnan Januzaj and saw the 18-year-old win the game for Manchester United with two dazzling second-half goals.
United trailed at the interval and looked so frail in defence a third successive defeat seemed on the cards, yet all people were talking about afterwards was a clear indication of star quality in a player who could opt to play for England if he wishes. “The FA have already been in touch,” Moyes said. “But don’t forget he could choose to play for Scotland, too.”
Roy Hodgson said on Match of the Day: “It has to be seriously debated before we start re-nationalising players, but there’s no doubt he’s a real talent and we have our eyes on him. There’s a lot still to be discussed.”
Born in Brussels and formerly on Anderlecht’s books, Januzaj qualifies for Belgium by birth and Albania and, reportedly, Croatia through his parents, but has yet to play for anyone at international level. He has spent the past two years in England, though as the five-year period necessary for qualification on residential grounds only commences at age 18, he would have to wait until 2018, which might be unrealistic.
“He has a choice of countries he could play for,” Moyes said. “I don’t know who he will choose but I very much doubt he’ll be short of offers.”
Of more immediate concern to United is that his contract with the club expires in a year and he is yet to commit to a new one, though Moyes is relaxed about that. “I’m not too worried about the contract situation,” he said. “I think every young boy wants to play for Manchester United.”
This young boy has already attracted the attention of Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid, however, and on the strength of his debut alone United will already be under a certain amount of pressure from their own supporters to make sure Januzaj does not turn up anywhere else. “I gave Wayne Rooney his Premier League debut, and Ross Barkley, and Adnan is certainly up there with those players in terms of quality,” Moyes said.
“As far as debuts go, I would be surprised if even the great players in United’s past have shown such promise on day one. It wasn’t just the two goals, his whole game was outstanding. We know we’ve got a really special talent, but we’ll keep his feet on the He’s going to be a top, top player but I had him in the reserves last week. ground. He’s a very humble boy, a pleasure to work with. I thought this was the right time to play him, because he’s just been so good.”
But there was bad news for Januzaj’s fellow Belgian, Marouane Fellaini, who did not feature in the match. The £27.5m midfielder will have a scan on a wrist injuryon Monday and fears an operation may be needed. “It doesn’t look good,” Moyes told MUTV.
He may have been born there, but has rejected all call ups at under age levels as he says he would prefer to play for Albania as Kosovo don’t have a national team, exact same as Shaqiri.
His heritage would allow him to play for Turkey or Serbia — or even Kosovo should FIFA recognise the country as a footballing nation — but it has appeared a straight choice between Belgium, the country of his birth, or his father’s homeland Albania. Why would he declare for England only to be shot down and scrutinised at every opportunity by the media
I suppose you were at the match yday Wilson?? Maybe it was you who gave gave the inspirational team talk at half time? Or maybe you scouted the Belgian for united?
The problem is giving the kids too much too young…. United lost a few decent youngsters because they would not give in to their egos/agents. But every once in a while you unearth a gem. Just got to take it smoothly, not burn them out or place too much expectancy on them…
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Sad really when the FA are snatching 18 year old foreign players!Sure he will want to play for his native Belgium.
Welcome to Ireland circa 1990 ;)
He may have been born there, but has rejected all call ups at under age levels as he says he would prefer to play for Albania as Kosovo don’t have a national team, exact same as Shaqiri.
Most of our lot at least had an Irish Granny!
His heritage would allow him to play for Turkey or Serbia — or even Kosovo should FIFA recognise the country as a footballing nation — but it has appeared a straight choice between Belgium, the country of his birth, or his father’s homeland Albania. Why would he declare for England only to be shot down and scrutinised at every opportunity by the media
He’ll be playing for Belgium! Not england or Scotland lol
Actually he won’t. Hell almost certainly choose Albania. Give his background a gander ;)
As if the chap would want to play for England.better chance of him declaring for Ireland
Are you a dub motley?
Who pissed in Beep Beep’s cornflakes?
I don’t eat corn flakes
Just ignore the chap lads.Pathetic little attention seeking shitehawk isn’t worth anybodys time or effort
Mötley…. Toe-rag
He’ll be at city next season
Of course he will moron ! When he travels with United to the play at the Etihad Stadium.
I suppose you were at the match yday Wilson?? Maybe it was you who gave gave the inspirational team talk at half time? Or maybe you scouted the Belgian for united?
Play for England? Why does Moyes insist on insulting his players at every turn?!
England won’t want him in another while another macheda
No , The Chosen One gave the inspirational talk at half time and I’d guess it was probably Martin Ferguson
How can be credited with scouting him.
Go tell somebody that gives a bollox
Well obviously you do moron , since you ask me !
The problem is giving the kids too much too young…. United lost a few decent youngsters because they would not give in to their egos/agents. But every once in a while you unearth a gem. Just got to take it smoothly, not burn them out or place too much expectancy on them…
No its troll flakes for you!
The English media would ruin him anyway, just like they do to a lot of young lads.