England Striker Gives Verdict on United's Rising Star

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has hailed Adnan Januzaj for his match winning performance on his debut during the Premier League champions 2-1 win over Sunderland.

David Moyes was under pressure for United's trip to the Stadium of Light as the Red Devils were coming into the fixture with defeats against Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion in the league.

The former Everton manager handed Januzaj his first senior start against Sunderland. His double strike in the second half saw United make a comeback into the game, after being a goal down from a defensive error in the early moments of the match.

"He's a great prospect. He takes the ball, he runs at players and he's got great ability. It's great the manager has thrown him into the side, especially with what has happened in the last few games," Rooney said, as quoted in the Mirror.

"There was big pressure on us, but the manager has trusted him and he has repaid that. He's very confident, that's great to see. A lot of the young players who come through are a little bit timid and shy, but he looks comfortable and he's confident in his own ability, which you need to be."

Meanwhile, the England international also heaped praise on Moyes for his bold move to field Januzaj in the starting lineup against the Black Cats. Rooney has urged the senior players to help out the youngsters, which the striker believes will allow them to settle quickly in the first team.

"It was a brave move to play him in the circumstances and we're delighted it's paid off. There is a lot of pressure, but he seems to thrive on it. We know the ability he has got, but you never know how they are going to react when they are thrown into games," United star added.

"We need to help the younger players and if we do that, they'll be moments where they come in and win us the game, as has happened here. The experienced lads need to help them emerge into a team."

Januzaj's contract at Old Trafford runs down at the end of the year and is yet to sign a new deal with the English champions.