Michael Laudrup: Let’s not get carried away with hype surrounding Man Utd’s Adnan Januzaj

Adnan Januzaj

Swansea City boss Michael Laudrup has praised Manchester Unitedmidfielder Adnan Januzaj, but warned him that he has a long road ahead if he is to develop into a “top, top player.” Speaking after Januzaj helped United to a 2-0 win over Swansea, Laudrup said that Januzaj has a lot of talent but must continue to work if he is to continue his development.

“He’s a good player, has a lot of talent at a young age and is already at this level at this club. It’s very difficult to get through, first of all, to this level and then at a club like Manchester United,” said the Dane.

“I don’t know him personally, so I can’t say what he’s like as a person. I’m only looking from the outside.

“But I hope he’s the kind of player who knows he will have to develop and move on, not think that because you’ve played 10 games in the Premier League you’re already at the top.

“At 18, 19 or 20, you’re still a boy. It’s very important you’re at the right club with the right people around you – family, friends, who advises you – ­everything like that is important when you’re young.

“Otherwise you sometime see players who have 10 or 15 games at top level, everyone tells them they’re so great, they believe it and think they’re already in the top three in the world.

“If everyone tells you you’re the best maybe sometimes, especially when you’re so young, you believe it.

Laudrup continued by suggesting that it is too early to assess how good Januzaj can be, before pointing to a previous Old Trafford favourite as evidence of what he must do to step up another level.

“I think it’s too early to say [how good Januzaj can be]. It depends on what level you mean. There are very good players, great players, top, top players and world-class players. Ask me again in three years.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is the prototype of a top, top ­professional. Apart from all his qualities, he plays all the games and wants to win every time.”