Manchester United must start Adnan Januzaj vs Arsenal

So far this season, there have been precious few reasons to be cheerful for David Moyes and his Manchester United side.

Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, United have lost at Liverpool and Manchester City before succumbing 2-1 at home to West Brom and throwing away two points at the death against Southampton. The mood at Old Trafford at times this campaign has verged on the mutinous.

Despite the understandable animosity of some fans towards Wayne Rooney, Moyes has been vindicated in his decision to retain the services of the striker at all costs. While he will never be as popular as once he was, the England talisman has been the standout performer in a largely underwhelming title defence.

The one decision that no supporter can question has been the promotion of Adnan Januzaj to the first team. They say fortune favours the brave and the manager’s decision to field the highly-rated Belgian teenager away at Sunderland paid instant dividends. It was his first United start and the 18-year-old ensured he will have a larger role to play this season than anybody had anticipated.

The teenage starlet shone throughout the summer tour and impressed Ferguson enough to name him in the squad for his final game as United manager, away at West Brom in May. It was Moyes, however, who gave the youngster the opportunity to prove his worth in a competitive game and his debut called to mind the young Rooney’s hat-trick against Fenerbahce. There was a very real sense that a genuine talent was marking his arrival on the Premier League stage. Januzaj’s passing and movement were slick throughout, one of the few admirable performers in yet another disappointing display from the champions.

The goals, particularly the second, were wonders to behold. Some naysayers have suggested the United fans are jumping the gun somewhat and citing Federico Macheda as a player who scored a magnificent goal at the very start of his career but proved to be little more than a flash in the pan. With Januzaj, though, things are very different. It is not hyperbolic to suggest that, in recent times, only Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs had as much to their game at such a young age with United and, even then, the teenager seems to have more end product than either. That is not to say he will reach such great heights but he has the raw material to become a very special player indeed.

The young Belgian’s energy and movement could be a huge boost for United as they look to claw back some ground and remain in contention for the title. It is essential that Moyes plays Januzaj on Sunday when Arsenal visit Old Trafford. Unlike Shinji Kagawa, he has seemed unaffected playing on the wing as opposed to his favoured central midfield berth.

If the lad with the air of a Dickensian waif can help United upset the odds and triumph over Arsene Wenger’s team on the weekend then he’ll be more popular than ever and his team might still have a shot at the title.