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Louis van Gaal explains Adnan Januzaj's midfield role

Adnan Januzaj's switch to the Manchester United midfield against Sunderland was out of necessity, reveals Louis van Gaal.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has admitted that a number of injuries was a major contributing factor to him playing Adnan Januzaj in a central midfield role against Sunderland yesterday afternoon.

The 19-year-old is primarily a winger, but he has also on occasions featured as a central attacker.

However, with Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini all ruled out with complaints, Van Gaal introduced the Belgian to the United midfield as a second-half substitute at the Stadium of Light alongside Tom Cleverley.

"It is not usual that we have four injuries in midfield. Every club that has that, has a problem. That is why I played Januzaj in midfield because as a coach I want to win," the United boss told reporters.

"I have said that we need creative passing and I thought Januzaj could provide that. That is the reason."

Januzaj's presence failed to inspire United to all three points, with the encounter ending a 1-1 draw.

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Manchester United's newly-appointed Dutch manager Louis van Gaal addresses a press conference at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England, on July 17, 2014
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