Adnan Januzaj Boosts Manchester United First-Team Chances After Sensational Free Kick for Under-21s

Manchester United midfielder Adnan Januzaj has again staked a claim for a role in Louis van Gaal's first team with another goal for the club's Under-21 side.

The Belgian international has been unable force his way into the starting XI at Old Trafford during the opening months of the Premier League campaign as the manager continues to tinker with his attack following the arrivals of Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria.

Januzaj, who made 27 appearances for the club last season, sent a message to his manager after netting a hat-trick and providing the assist for the other in the Under-21's 4-0 win over Sunderland two weeks ago.

And the 19-year-old has once again proved he is a class above the competition at that level after scoring a brilliant free kick from a very tight angle in the win over Tottenham Hotspur on Monday 29 September.

Under-21 captain Tom Thorpe, who made his senior debut in the dying minutes of the 2-1 win over West Ham United on Saturday 27 September, scored a stoppage-time winner also provided by Januzaj to seal victory over the north Londoners.

The Belgian international was arguably the single positive to emerge from United's disastrous campaign last term but has been limited to four appearances off the bench this season.

He excelled in wide positions last season but both Van Gaal's 3-5-2 and 4-3-3 formations have done away with the need for conventional wingers. The youngster, however, has his eye on taking the number 10 position at Old Trafford and has no problem in fighting Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney for the role.

When asked where he would like to play, Januzaj told Squawka: "Number 10 of course. That is my preferred position but I am happy to play anywhere for the manager. I saw some reports saying I was unhappy, that couldn't be further from the truth.

"I love this club and I am excited to play for this manager. The fans have been so good to me and I want to repay them."

With Rooney set to miss the next three league games following his red card against West Ham, Januzaj could be rewarded with a first-team role in the coming weeks.

The United and England skipper will miss the clash with former club Everton on Sunday 5 October and games against West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea following the international break if charged with violent conduct for kicking out at Stewart Downing.