United Favourite Expects Old Trafford Youngster to Emulate Ozil

Adnan Januzaj, the Manchester United youngster, has been compared to Arsenal's record signing Mesut Ozil by former Old Trafford defender Henning Berg.

Januzaj marked his first professional start with a double to beat Sunderland, sparking suggestions he could become the next rising start to emerge from the much famed United youth ranks. His performance also brought an enquiry from The Football Association regarding his eligibility to play for England.

And such has been the former Anderlecht teenager's impact, that Berg, who won two league titles during three years with United, says he already reminds him of Ozil, who joined Arsenal from Real Madrid in the summer.

"He's a fantastic talent," Berg told talkSPORT. "Everyone at the club they will know about him. He did really well for the reserves last year and you could see he had potential.

"Now he's come on in the Premier League and to be a match winner and score two goals in his first start is unbelievable. He's playing on the same pitch as Van Persie and Rooney and he's the one who is getting the goals.

"He reminds me a lot of Ozil, who is playing for Arsenal now, in the way he broke through the German Under 21 team a long time ago and then at the World Cup," he added. "Januzaj is that kind of player. Obviously he is not at that level yet, but he is a similar type of player with similar type of qualities and hopefully he can improve to be a top, top player.

"David Moyes says he needs four or five more world class players than what he's got now. If Januzaj can become one of them he'll only need three or four more."

The hype surrounding Januzaj has seen him become the centre of a row regarding his international allegiance, which continues to be questioned after turning down offers to join up with Marc Wilmots' Belgium squad.

The 18 year old could play for Belgium, Kosovo, Albania, Croatia, Serbia or Turkey, while should he spend five years playing for United in the Premier League, Januzaj will become able to play for England

The Brussels-born winger is yet to commit himself to United for the foreseeable future, with his current deal due to expire in the summer, with Barcelona and Manchester City among the teams interested in taking advantage.

Ozil became Arsenal's record signing on deadline day and has spearheaded the club's climb to the top of the Premier League after going 11 matches unbeaten in all competitions.