Adnan Januzaj Scores Superb Hat-Trick for Manchester United U21s vs. Sunderland

In what's been a thoroughly positive week for Manchester United, Adnan Januzaj did his first-team chances no harm on Monday evening after bagging a hat-trick en route to a 4-0 win over Sunderland under-21s.

The fixture came just two days after the Belgian international featured in a cameo role for Louis van Gaal's senior side in their first win of the season, a 4-0 triumph over Queens Park Rangers.

Still just 19 years of age, Januzaj has grown to become a respected option for the Red Devils in attacking midfield, and it was evident at Old Trafford on Monday that he was a cut above the rest.

His first goal came after Will Keane swept the ball onto the right edge of the Black Cats' box, Januzaj needing only one touch to sidefoot home from 16 yards, per The MUFC Bible:

Van Gaal was on hand to see the performance, and if his youngster's first goal showcased a better side of snap judgement, his second was far more telling of a cool and calm demeanour.

As United Report shows, Keane again played the role of orchestrator as Januzaj tiptoed away from the visiting defenders, confidently tucking his finish away from close range:

After a respite, Januzaj resumed scoring in the second period to round off his trio of goals, this time having a far greater hand in the build-up as well as providing the glossy last touch.

Belgian compatriot Marnick Vermijl linked up with his team-mate, descending into Sunderland's area, a quick one-two providing Januzaj's third, via The People's Person:

The purchases of Angel Di Maria, Daley Blind and Ander Herrera this summer sees competition for playing time become even tighter in United's midfield, but Januzaj is doing his bit to assert his place in the first-team ranks.

Monday evening wasn't the first time Januzaj proved Sunderland's tormentor, either. His first start for the club came against the Black Cats 11 months ago, a 2-1 victory in which he produced both goals for United, bailing his team-mates out of a sticky situation.

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This display didn't come in a setting with stakes as high, but Van Gaal will have been no less impressed by the quality produced.

Luke Shaw and Anderson also started at Old Trafford on Monday, although their displays didn't draw quite as much individual attention.