Jose Mourinho to hand Adnan Januzaj a Manchester United lifeline after outcast midfielder dazzles in pre-season training

Belgian was axed from first team by Louis van Gaal but he and Phil Jones have impressed new boss in opening sessions

Mike McGrath

Published: 8:15, 17 Jul 2016
Updated: 8:50, 17 Jul 2016

ADNAN JANUZAJ has given himself a Manchester United lifeline by dazzling in training.

The 21-year-old has impressed Jose Mourinho in his first two weeks in pre-season – and has forced his way into the Special One’s plans.

Januzaj haas more competition for places after Henrikh Mkhitaryan joinedCredit: Getty Images

Januzaj and Juan Mata were believed to be on the Man United scrapheapCredit: PA:Press Association

Louis van Gaal axed him last season and gave him just THREE sub appearances after returning from Borussia Dortmund on loan.

LVG was unimpressed after accusations of showboating in an Under-21 game, when he and team-mate Andreas Pereira attempted to score directly from corners during a clash against Sunderland in January.

New Old Trafford boss Jose Mourinho has been impressed by JanuzajCredit: Reuters

Louis van Gaal axed Januzaj and sent him on loan to DortmundCredit: Action Images

But he has been among the players to make a good impression on Mourinho in his first days as United boss.

Phil Jones has also been used in training at right-back as Mourinho looks at his options.

The England defender, who has usually played at centre-back, has returned from injury and could complete with full-backs for a starting place.

Januzaj was dropped by LVG and played just five Prem games last termCredit: Reuters

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