Once tipped as one of the most exciting players in world football, Adnan Januzaj has had a bit of a fall from grace over the last few years. After making just 5 first team appearances under David Moyes in 2013, the then teenager was branded as the next Ronaldo and he was rewarded with a new five-year-deal at Old Trafford.

Since his debut season at the club though, the Belgian suffered to find consistency at the club and was sent out on loan on numerous occasions. Moyes’ managerial replacement Louis van Gaal reportedly clashed with Januzaj on occasions, and current manager Jose Mourinho allowed him to leave the club for good this summer after loaning him to Sunderland last season.

Januzaj was often accused of not working hard enough at United, and former Reserves coach Warren Joyce said the youngster cared more about finance than his football. But the player himself has slammed those accusations.

“Those suggestions are stupid,” Januzaj told the Mail. “I had very good stats when I came on. Sir Alex texted me and called during that spell. He told me, ‘Keep working hard, never give up, life goes on, you have quality and never stop working.’ I needed that.”

“Giggsy was assistant during Van Gaal’s time. He always talked to me and tried to help. He could see I was not the Adnan everyone knows.”

Januzaj did not find life easy under Louis van Gaal, and insists his United teammates found the Dutchman’s approach to football difficult – sighting a lack of freedom.

“There was not the same freedom,” Januzaj said. “A winger needs that confidence, a manager telling you, ‘Go and take people on.’ With him, it was a slow passing game.”

“For some it was difficult. You could see some players were not enjoying the football. The manager and I had many difficult meetings.”