David Moyes must trust Adnan Januzaj to turn Manchester United's season around

Adnan Januzaj

It is fair to say that Manchester United have not had the best start to the Premier League season with the club languishing in ninth position after David Moyes’ first 15 games in charge of the title-holders.

There has been a couple of positives however, one of which is the form of youngster Adnan Januzaj who has burst onto the scene with some style and could be in line for a start against Aston Villa this weekend.

United travel to Villa Park on Sunday as they look to win a game after a run of four without a victory. Paul Lambert’s side have only one win in their last four themselves, so Januzaj could really cause them some problems if he is unleashed by Moyes.

The youngster, who is eligible for a number of nations, has won 53% of the take-ons he has attempted this season. This gives him a better success rate than Danny Welbeck, Luis Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young, who are all vying for the same wide berth in Moyes’ line-up.

With Aston Villa only winning 48% of the 494 tackles they have contested this season the data suggests that Januzaj could have a field day attacking the Villa back line. Villa have also committed the second most fouls in the division and are in the top ten for most defensive errors leading to a goal which gives further support to the reasoning that Januzaj could be a thorn in the side of the opposition.

His best performance was undoubtedly his first start in the 2-1 away win against Sunderland. He scored both goals as the Red Devils came from behind to win the game. In that match he took six shots so 33% of those hit the net. He also won five of seven take ons and completed 86% of his passes.

While his performances since then have not been as impressive, they haven’t been poor by any standard. If he can recreate his form from the Sunderland game he will be back to his best.

Januzaj has also completed on average 80% of his passes this season with nine key passes made in nine appearances while his Performance Score of 116 is fourth best of all United midfielders and better than his direct first-team competitors Valencia, Nani, Anderson, Shinji Kagawa, Ryan Giggs and Young.

This data only further supports the fact that he not only could be, but is United’s midfield danger man. While all the more experienced players in the same or similar positions are letting the side down, Januzaj is playing without fear and stepping up.

Villa have conceded nine goals in seven home games and will have Rob Vlaar and a number of other defenders missing through injury. With their side weakened it will only boost United’s chances of winning.

With this is mind, and considering his performances this season so far, Januzaj has the ability and opportunity to thrive. If he does play at his best he could be the catalyst in a surprisingly long-awaited Premier League victory for Manchester United.