Januzaj set for new five-year contract at United

Highly rated Belgian youngster Adnan Januzaj is on the verge of signing a new contract at United, tying him to the club until 2018.

This news comes off the back of an exciting few months for the 18-year-old, starting with a place on the bench for Sir Alex Ferguson’s final game in charge, the 5-5 draw against West Brom, and continuing with an impressive pre-season campaign under David Moyes.

The attacking midfielder marked his first senior Old Trafford appearance with an impressive display in Rio Ferdinand’s testimonial, and followed that with his competitive debut in the FA Community Shield victory against Wigan Athletic.


This has seen Januzaj emerge as one of the brightest talents to come out of the youth ranks in recent times, and with one year to go on his existing deal and the likes of Barcelona and Juventus reportedly keeping watch, David Moyes has moved quickly to try and seal his long-term future at United, avoiding a scenario similar to that which saw Paul Pogba move to Juventus last summer for nothing.

The news will be a welcome boost to United fans in what has been a quiet transfer window thus far.  It remains to be seen if Januzaj will stay with the club this season – where he would be most likely to feature in the League Cup -  or go out on loan.  Any potential loan deal is likely to be subject to guarantees that the youngster will get regular first-team football, so as not to stifle his development.

The only thing certain is that United have a top player in the making.