Adnan Januzaj Sets Sights on Being Manchester United's Long-Term No. 10

He might have been handed the club’s famous No. 11 shirt in the summer, but Adnan Januzaj has set his sights on becoming Manchester United’s long-term solution at the No. 10 position.

A summer of transition has affected almost everyone at Old Trafford, including Januzaj. The 19-year-old has seen some good friends leave the club and some high-profile names arrive, as new manager Louis van Gaal makes his mark at the Premier League side.

The departure of Danny Welbeck and Patrice Evra in particular saw Januzaj lose two of his closest team-mates, but the Belgian is eager to start building new working relationships with the likes of Radamel Falcao, Angel Di Maria and Marcos Rojo, as they bid to bring success back to the club.

Speaking to Husmukh Kerai of Squawka, Januzaj said:

"

[It was sad to see Welbeck leave] because he was a good friend to me.

Evra helped me most when I first arrived but now I talk to everyone and I am friends with everyone.

I have trained with Di Maria, Falcao I am still waiting for. I like [Di Maria], he’s very good technically and he is a very good passer. He’s a clever player. 

[I have also seen] Rojo. He's a very good player. He is a good defender because he is really relaxed on the ball.

"

Those many new arrivals, a number of them in attacking positions, have led to increased questions about where exactly Januzaj fits into Van Gaal’s thinking. After making his name under David Moyes in last season's ill-fated campaign, the attacking midfielder finds himself needing to impress the manager all over again. That means playing a number of different positions—even in central midfield, as he was asked to play in the closing stages of the recent 1-1 Premier League draw with Sunderland.

Longer term, however, Januzaj sees himself playing in the role behind the two strikers, competing with the likes of Juan Mata and, possibly, Wayne Rooney.

“No. 10 of course,” he said, when asked where he would like to play in an ideal world. “That’s my preferred position but I’m happy to play anywhere for the manager."

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Despite that uncertainty, Januzaj’s summer move from the No. 44 shirt to the No. 11 shirt perhaps underlined the regard in which he is held by the United hierarchy. Inheriting Ryan Giggs’ number is a proud honour for the youngster.

“I saw some reports saying I was unhappy, that couldn’t be further from the truth," he said. "I love this club and I’m excited to play for this manager. The fans have been so good to me and I want to repay them.”

On being awarded Giggs' old number, he added: “I feel privileged. I learned a lot of things from him...there are so many things that, really, I could not make a list!"

"

Adnan Januzaj completed more take-ons per 90 minutes (2.79) than any other Man United player in the Premier League last season (600+ mins).

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 11, 2014"

He had this to say after tasting a World Cup campaign with Belgium in the summer: “I didn’t play much, but I learnt a lot from being there. We have the ability to win the Euros." 

Januzaj is eager to get his first taste of silverware with United and as soon as possible.

Van Gaal’s start to life at the club may already have some fans slightly worried, but Januzaj believes their patience will be rewarded.

“Obviously, I want to do as well as I can and gain lots of experience and win trophies,” he added. “Everything changes and can change very quickly.

"We need more time for the new manager. It's very hard for managers to come into Man United. Just be patient."

Patience might also be something Januzaj will have to demonstrate this season. With Van Gaal looking at the best way to slot his new talents into the same team, the teenager might have to settle for substitute appearances and domestic cup cameos for most of the season.

Over time, however, he has already shown he has all the talents to become an integral part of United's attacking options.

Adnan Januzaj was speaking exclusively to Squawka: www.squawka.com.