Adnan Januzaj Set for Manchester United European Debut, Says David Moyes

David Moyes insists Adnan Januzaj is ready to make his Champions League bow against Real Sociedad this week, according to the official Manchester United club website.

Januzaj, 18, has been tremendous for the Red Devils this campaign, offering a boost to the Premier League champions after what had been a difficult summer of change among the club's established hierarchy.

His manager is among those enthused by Januzaj's impact, and insists he would have no qualms about using him in the high-pressure environment of the Champions League:

"

He's definitely ready to play [in the Champions League]. He's not got a problem. We're trying to bring the boy along at the right pace if we can. He's not tired and we've not seen any dips in form just now so I'm sure we'll continue using him and he'll definitely be in and around the squad.

In time, his best position may be No. 10 but, while he's so young, it's easy to introduce him off the left or off the right. He's that talented, he can play in several positions and I'm in no hurry to play him as a No. 10. I want to keep the reins on him a little bit and keep him disciplined in what he does ...

I don't want to put too much expectation on the boy, which is why I'll undoubtedly take him out of the team at times during the year so he doesn't get too much [exposure]. But he's got something I've not seen for a long, long time in [terms of] what he can do.

"

Moyes' comments about Januzaj's versatility are interesting and a reflection on the desire of the club to ensure that the Belgian youngster is given the best possible chance of fulfilling his full potential in the coming years.

The Scot is both wary of overusing his young charge and of handing him too much responsibility, hence the decision to use him from wide areas.

Januzaj has excellent speed over short distances, which allows him to play from a wider position with little difficulty, and he has thus far shown signs of building an excellent relationship with the frequently overlapping Patrice Evra on the left flank.

Evra's presence allows Januzaj to head inside, as is his preference, but without loading upon him the full creative responsibility of the team. That, for the moment, falls upon the shoulders of No. 10 Wayne Rooney.

The next task for Moyes, as it has been for most of the season, is to then attempt to add Japan's Shinji Kagawa into the equation without unbalancing the side. At present, Januzaj is performing the role with greater impact than his senior colleague.

United are beginning to gather momentum after a slow start and there is no doubting that Januzaj has been a major catalyst for that improvement.

The big test of Moyes' management regarding the youngster, then, will be deciding when and where it is best to use him and to avoid overplaying him at this early stage of what could be a very promising career.