Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj, who is on loan at Sunderland, has hinted that he is starting to perform well in a No.10 role. Recent results at the relegation-threatened outfit have substantially improved. The team has suffered just two defeats in the last five games. Even though they remain bottom of the table, there is renewed confidence at the Stadium of Light. The presence of David Moyes was a major factor in Januzaj being convinced to move to the relegation-threatened outfit on a loan deal. The Belgian enjoyed some of his best football under the former Everton manager when he was in charge at Old Trafford.

Januzaj was used out wide in the first few months at Sunderland. While this did not have a major impact, he has been shifted to a number 10 role in the last few games. Even if he is yet to score in seven appearances as an attacking midfielder, Januzaj has contributed two assists. They have certainly played a major role in reviving Sunderland’s form. It has sparked rumours that Jose Mourinho may eventually consider recalling Januzaj to the first-team rather than selling the player at the end of the campaign.

Manchester United are likely to be in the market for a new playmaker who could fill in for Paul Pogba when the French midfielder is unavailable. At this moment, the world’s most expensive player has been used as the number 10 in the Manchester United first-team. Even though the decision to use such a box to box midfielder in this role has been met with limited success, Jose Mourinho remains confident that the 23-year-old can make a major impact in the coming years.

Januzaj contributed two assists in the 4-0 win over Crystal Palace during the past weekend. The next six months will be crucial for the Belgian, who made a great impression as a teenager coming through the ranks at United. However, his bright spell under David Moyes was not replicated in the coming campaigns under Louis Van Gaal and Jose Mourinho. Valued at around £7 million, there is a greater chance of United selling the midfielder if his form does not improve even more in the next six months. Januzaj said:

“I really like playing with him [Defoe] even though he always asks for the ball. He’s an unbelievable striker and you can see that with his goals because they weren’t easy chances, he told the Sunderland website.

“He’s someone I can learn a lot from. In the last few games we’ve linked really well and I think we have a good relationship with each other. We’re enjoying playing together and hopefully he can score many more goals.”

A highly versatile player, Januzaj’s contract with the club comes to an end in the summer of 2018. It is one of the reasons for the upcoming summer to be crucial in the future of the winger at United. Still just 22 years old, there is not a reason why Januzaj can establish himself in the United first team once again considering that a number of departures are expected in the summer.