Vidic Protective Of Januzaj

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic says it is imperative that Adnan Januzaj's development as a player is carefully managed and that expectations are kept in check at such a formative stage of his fledgling career.

Januzaj has been a shining light for the Reds in his breakthrough season and the 18-year-old's creativity, particularly in the absence of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie through injury, is a source United have increasingly tapped into in recent weeks. The first-team exposure has allowed his game to blossom as he takes on more responsibility, notably at set-pieces and in the attacking third of the field, but Vidic says work done behind the scenes by David Moyes, his coaching staff and the experienced members of the Reds’ senior squad is integral to Januzaj's progress.

"Adnan has done very well," Vidic says in the latest issue of Inside United magazine, on sale now. "He is a great talent and his future is in front of him. He is still young, he's just 18. So we have to be careful with him. We don't want to expect too much too soon; the manager will take care of that. Adnan has great talent but he can still improve. He will have to work hard to achieve big things, but he is definitely capable of that.

"To be successful at Manchester United you have to perform every week. That's the challenge and that's why I say that you have to be careful with young players in terms of how they develop as a person and a player. At 18, you still have to work hard to improve and get even better. He is a great talent, a very good player. I am sure he will do all he can to succeed because he has a great future."