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Adnan Januzaj says Louis van Gaal knocked the freedom from his game because of his stringent tactical orders
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Adnan Januzaj blames Louis van Gaal for shattering his confidence at Manchester United

ADNAN JANUZAJ says the confidence that marked him out as one of football's biggest young talents was shattered by former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal.

Januzaj was regarded as one of the game's brightest hopes after bursting onto the scene as an 18-year-old with a string of impressive displays for United.

 Adnan Januzaj says Louis van Gaal knocked the freedom from his game because of his stringent tactical orders
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Adnan Januzaj says Louis van Gaal knocked the freedom from his game because of his stringent tactical ordersCredit: Action Images - Reuters
 Adnan Januzaj scored two goals at Sunderland to announce himself in English fotoball
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Adnan Januzaj scored two goals at Sunderland to announce himself in English fotoballCredit: AP:Associated Press
 Adnan Januzaj was regarded as one of the best young talents in world football
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Adnan Januzaj was regarded as one of the best young talents in world footballCredit: AFP

Sir Alex Ferguson believed he could go on to be a great while Ryan Giggs felt he was a better prospect than a young Wayne Rooney.

But four years on the Belgian is trying to rebuild his career in Spain with Real Sociedad after failing to make the progress expected of him.

And Januzaj, 22, believes controlling Dutchman Van Gaal played a part in stalling his career.

Januzaj said: "There was not the same freedom. A winger needs that confidence, a manager telling you, 'Go and take people on'. With him, it was a slow passing game.

"For some it was difficult. You could see some players were not enjoying the football. The manager and I had many difficult meetings.

"I was frustrated and everyone could see that I was not the same Adnan as the first year. I was sometimes even in the stands.

 Adnan Januzaj was expected to be a fixture in the United team for years to come when he made his breakthrough
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Adnan Januzaj was expected to be a fixture in the United team for years to come when he made his breakthroughCredit: Richard Pelham

"When you work hard in training and then get left out, it's hard for a young guy.

"It was not only me. As a footballer, if you think too much on the pitch, it is never good. You need instinct in your play.

 Adnan Januzaj felt playing under Louis van Gaal denied him the freedom to express himself
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Adnan Januzaj felt playing under Louis van Gaal denied him the freedom to express himselfCredit: Getty Images - Getty

"When the ball came to us, we had to stop and think, 'What are we going to do with it here? I can't lose the ball'."

Speaking to the Mail, Januzaj admitted it reached the stage where he feared he would not be picked if he played his normal game instead of following Van Gaal's orders.

He added: "Yes. That kind of stuff comes into your head. It was difficult - training sessions too.

 Adnan Januzaj is now rebuilding his career in Spain after joining Real Madrid
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Adnan Januzaj is now rebuilding his career in Spain after joining Real Madrid

"Under Ferguson, it was always intense. People wanted to win in training. It started to change.

"It was not the United we used to see winning games and winning trophies. Teams used to come to Old Trafford and be scared to play.

"I had the sense that some teams started coming to Old Trafford thinking,'We can beat them today easy'."

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