David Moyes admits he had decided last week to not play Januzaj against Olympiakos

Adnan Januzaj – Did not play against Olympiakos

Manchester United manager David Moyes has defended his decision not to play midfielder Adnan Januzaj in the Champions League last 16 defeat to Olympiakos, despite the youngster being one of the club’s leading performers in recent weeks, reports the Independent.

The 19-year-old has been a glimmer of hope in a poor season for the reigning champions, but was not even named amongst the substitutes for the clash at the Karaiskakis Stadium.

However, Old Trafford boss Moyes was adamant the game against the Greeks was a good opportunity to tweak his starting line-up.

“I decided last week I would play Tom Cleverley and it was a time to bring in and out at the right moments so I chose not to use him [Januzaj],” he said.

The decision back fired as Cleverley, whose performances have often lacked thrust, incisive passing and a cutting edge throughout the season played particularly poorly and was withdrawn on the hour mark with United chasing the game.

There has been growing criticism, especially from former captain Roy Keane, that the current squad at United do not have enough quality to compete but the Scot is adamant they can still atone for their errors in the return leg.

“I think there is undoubtedly talent at Manchester United but tonight we didn’t show it. Me and the team we didn’t show it together. It is something we will have to do. We will put it right. We are determined to put it right and will have opportunities to do that in the coming weeks,” Moyes declared.