#5 Adnan Januzaj
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Another youngster to surface through the Anderlecht academy, Januzaj is one of two aspects that Manchester United fans look positively upon from the David Moyes era, the other being the signing of Juan Mata.
Inducted into the match-day squad for the first time by Sir Alex Ferguson for the manager’s final game in charge, the future looked bright for the then 18-year-old. David Moyes instantly valued the holding Reserve’s Player of the Year winner and provided him with his debut in the Community Shield.
Since then, Adnan has had a trajectory similar to the one Federico Macheda had in his United career. On his first start in the Premier League, the Belgian stunned the Sunderland faithful with two goals, including a splendid volley to inspire a comeback from a goal down.
His debut season earned him plaudits, a new five-year contract, and the No.11 jersey, famously donned by Ryan Giggs for over two decades. Since the departure of Moyes, Januzaj has hit a downward slump, in form and confidence.
He was shipped out to Borussia Dortmund on loan but had a miserable year and has now coincidentally moved to Sunderland on loan to revive his stagnating career. While there may be comparisons with Macheda’s career trajectory, Januzaj remains immensely talented and is just 21 years old. With time on his side, the Belgian should grasp this opportunity at Sunderland and attempt to forge a route into Mourinho’s plans.
