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Former Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune has intensified the pressure on the club’s new star in the making, Adnan Januzaj, comparing the talented youngster to Cristiano Ronaldo.
Fortune, who spent 7 injury filled years at the Premier League champions before leaving for pastures new in 2006, has witnessed the youngster’s talents first-hand after working with the Red Devils reserve team last year whilst completing his coaching badges.
Since then, however, Januzaj has been thrusted into the limelight at the struggling giant, turning in a match-winning display at Sunderland and earning a standing ovation from the Old Trafford crowd in last night’s Capital One Cup tie against Norwich City. Fortune says United have a real gem of a player in the 18-year old and has paid him the greatest compliment possible by comparing him to Ballon d’Or nominee Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Everyone around the club knew that he was special,” Fortune said. “The self-belief and confidence set him apart from the other young players I saw at United a couple of years ago and even though he is playing at a higher level now, he has the same mentality.
“He has so much belief and confidence in his own ability and that’s hard to see in young players these days. He reminds me of Ronaldo when he arrived.
“He was making so much progress and when he went to train with the first team, some of those lads were talking about him.
“He believes in himself and that takes you far in this game. He has great talent and he is a level-headed guy.”
This has clearly been noticed by the Manchester United hierarchy as they recently handed the young starlet a new 5-year contract to fend off interest from Barcelona and Manchester City. Fortune believes his solid mentality will see him steadily improve and become a regular in the first team at Old Trafford – hopefully going on to follow in the Ronaldo’s footsteps who has become one of the best players in the world.
“If Adnan can follow what Ronaldo did it would be unbelievable for himself and the club,” he said.
“Adnan has exactly the same mentality. I don’t think Ronaldo lacks confidence, and that is why he is one of the best players in the world. Adnan still has a long way to go, he has had a fantastic start though and I wish him the best.
“He is a fantastic player and there is more to come from him.
“Once he gets a few more games under his belt you will see an even better performance from him.”
Adnan Januzaj has successfully completed 11 of his 16 (69%) take-ons so far this season, resembling the adventurous play of Cristiano Ronaldo in his days at Old Trafford.
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