Januzaj Opens Up On Rumours After Match-Winning Display

Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood said: “I am disappointed with the result, I thought we nullified them, but it is to be expected, we have a lot of players out there trying to find their feet in English football“.

“I hope to have more games in my legs and hopefully score more goals”.

Van Gaal reiterated that he is not impressed by the media’s interest in their striker position, having run a campaign to have Rooney reinstated through the middle last season.

Louis Van Gaal has no pressing injury concerns to deal with as Phil Jones will be the only notable absentee owing to a mild thrombosis issue that will sideline him for a good two weeks at least. Wayne Rooney, in particular, was largely ineffective in front of goal, while new signing Memphis Depay failed to cause any real threat to the Villans goal throughout.

The United forward showed neat footwork to evade a challenge from Micah Richards before firing a deflected, low shot that glanced in off the base of the far post.

Aston Villa 0-1 Manchester United ].

Gabriel Agbonlahor headed a rare Villa chance straight at Sergio Romero in the United goal on 55 minutes, and Depay squandered a glorious chance to put his side out of sight on 73, firing wide when sent through by the excellent Mata.

Van Gaal defended himself against criticisms of his decision to omit Januzaj, who did not even feature in the matchday 18 for United’s opening-day win over Tottenham, and told the youngster to perform to a high standard often enough to stay in the side. But we had a lot of possibilities to score more than once and that’s a pity.

The Dutchman was also pleased to hear Januzaj wanted to battle for a place but warned: “It also has to be he is showing that of course”.

“Frans Hoek… he has a meeting with David de Gea and he asked him: ‘Do you want to play?’ [De Gea said “No”]”.

It was the 20-year-old’s first Premier League start since February and his first goal since April of 2014, as the Belgian winger has been linked with a loan move away from Old Trafford.

“He’s just got to keep going, he tries very hard and the goals will come for sure”.