Certain uncertainly with Januzaj's United career at a crossroads

October 2013: Adnan Januzaj sparks an uninspired United into life with a breathtaking brace on his full debut at the Stadium of Light to announce his arrival on the big stage.

The 18 year old, hailed as United's most outstanding young player since Ryan Giggs, made 35 appearances on the left wing and lit up an otherwise darkly depressing and wretched campaign under David Moyes.

Two seasons on and Januzaj's United career is at an improbably yet arguably unpromising crossroads.

Having inherited Giggsy's iconic number 11 jersey, Januzaj endured a frustrating and unfulfilling  first season under Louis van Gaal.
Lacking confidence, often overzealous and deployed in disparate positions, the Belgian youngster frequently underperformed on the sporadic occasion he was afforded a starting opportunity last term.

The willingness of the Reds to outsource Januzaj's services, without compensation, was exceeded only by the bizarre nature of the Belgian's lack of opportunity at the Bundesliga outfit.

Van Gaal's decision to recall Januzaj from that loan spell is almost certainly just a contingency for United's escalating injury crisis.
It is improbable that his premature return to Old Trafford was earmarked as the catalyst United needed to propel us to a top-four finish- Van Gaal's management of Januzaj over two seasons suggests the Belgian is little more than a fall back.

Januzaj's future at the club is arguably more uncertain should, as seems likely, Jose Mourinho take the reigns from Van Gaal in the summer.
Four victories in a row may have earned LVG a temporary reprieve, but the Dutchman is still almost certainly out of a job come June. 

The Belgian is not cut from the same cloth as that from which Mourinho has fashioned playmakers in his most successful teams.
Unless Januzaj is willing to develop his defensive productivity and tactical discipline, it is unlikely that will be afforded an opportunity in wide areas under Mourinho. 

If the reports of an indolent Januzaj at Dortmund are true, then it's hard to see that the Belgian has a future in a Jose-led United at all. 

It is unfortunate to witness such a young and obviously talented player traverse the hallways of uncertainty at United.
It suffices to say that, at present, Januzaj's future is certainly uncertain. 

Patience, assurance and frequent opportunities are needed, both from the player and any potential incoming manager, to steer his United career back on the right road.