Manchester United: Adnan Januzaj slammed for 'poor attitude' by Belgium U-21 boss Enzo Scifo

Belgium Under-21 manager Enzo Scifo has criticised Manchester United youngster Adnan Januzaj for his poor attitude and lack of commitment. The 20-year-old is on a season-long loan at Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund but has been unable to nail down a consistent first-team role at the Westfalenstadion. As a result, Belgium manager Marc Wilmots left the attacker out his squad for upcoming friendlies with Italy and Spain.

Scifo had planned to bring the player into his plans for an upcoming Under-21 European Championship qualifier with Czech Republic and while Januzaj did not turn down the call, the manager was dismayed by his lack of enthusiasm over representing his side.

"He [Januzaj] said he would think and it was not a priority," Scifo was quoted as saying by La Derniere Heure. "He is disappointed not to play for his club and wants to do everything possible to get there. I had the impression he was not interested. I said in this case, it was better not to come. I cannot stand that a player is not motivated. When you are 20, you have to be humble enough to understand on your own. You cannot ask you father or your agent if it is a good choice."

Following Scifo's stern words, Januzaj's agent Dirk Devriese tried to calm the situation, insisting the United youngster was merely attempting to get up to speed with his club, having not joined Dortmund until very late in the summer transfer window.

"There is no question of a bad state of mind," he told the same publication. "This decision is part of the project; Adnan focuses on his work and we [Devriese and Januzaj's father] plan the rest. Do not point the finger. Dortmund is a team doing well and is a real machine. The current Dortmund is one of the best teams in Europe. Remember that Adnan did nor prepare with them [during pre-season]. Dortmund leaves him time to adapt and we must do the same."