Januzaj Jostling For Position

Adnan Januzaj is feeling stronger and wants to prove he is ready to play the no.10 role at Manchester United, if required by Louis van Gaal.

The Dutchman's formation against Club America in the opening game of Tour 2015, presented by Aon led to Memphis Depay operating behind Wayne Rooney, with Januzaj performing just off James Wilson after the break. Januzaj has often stated his preference for the creative central position and noticeably looks to have improved his physique during the summer break.

A close-season training stint in Dubai with Luke Shaw, designed to boost his fitness, appears to have had a real impact as the Belgium international is determined to impress the manager and earn a regular starting spot, despite the intense battle for places.

"I like the position," he told MUTV. "As a young player, I always played there, as a no.10. Only in the last two or three years have I been playing on the wing and also sometimes as a striker.

"The position I prefer is behind the striker but I'm happy to play wherever the manager wants me to play."

Januzaj expanded on the details of the Dubai trip, when he was accompanied by Shaw and one of the Reds' backroom staff, and is already reaping the benefits of the exhausting work in soaring temperatures.

"We decided to do it because this season we have to do better than last season," he added. "Last season, I didn't have many games but this year I have to be fit and get as many games as I can.

"It was our own decision [to take a fitness coach from the club with us] because I wanted to work hard and achieve something this season. I think it has helped already as I feel I am getting stronger.

"Over there [in Dubai], it was about 50 degrees and it’s quite hot over here as well, so I think we’re used to this weather and maybe that is helping me more. We were working hard doing a bit of other sports too. We also worked on the pitch with the ball. When it’s 50 degrees, it’s hard but hopefully it helps."