Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal to hand Adnan Januzaj striker role

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has suggested Adnan Januzaj could be the solution to the club's striker shortage this season.

Following the departures of Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao and with doubts remaining over Javier Hernandez's future at the club, United have just two remaining centre forwards in their ranks: Wayne Rooney and James Wilson.

Van Gaal has sent mixed messages over his plans to sign a new striker, saying he requires more firepower but also implying he is unsure a new attacker will be purchased this transfer window, as reported by Sky Sports.

But amid all this, Januzaj was deployed as a centre forward in the 3-1 win over Barcelona on 25 July despite having spent much of his time at the club operating as a winger or number 10.

The Belgium international justified his manager's decision with an excellent goal and Van Gaal has indicated the 20 year old could receive more chances to lead his attack.

"I have given him a chance in this position and you have to look if he can do that or not. But he has a lot of quality and against Barcelona he showed it for the first time," Van Gaal told reporters in California, The Times reports.

"He was very good and was a threat as a striker in his 30 minutes. He always gives an option for midfielders and defenders, he scored a wonderful goal and that is always important. He always fought with two defenders, but he did well, although it was easier for him against the defence when Gerard Pique was substituted."

After his breakout campaign under David Moyes' management in 2014, Januzaj struggled to impose himself on Van Gaal's first team plans last season and started just seven league games, failing to find the back of the net.