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Januzaj wanted by England

Adnan Januzaj rescued Manchester United against Sunderland © Getty Images

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Manchester United manager David Moyes has revealed the FA have approached the club about the availability of Adnan Januzaj.

Januzaj, 18, was the match-winner Saturday evening as he scored two goals to see United come from behind to beat Sunderland 2-1.

Born in Belgium, the teenager began his career at Anderlecht and qualifies for Albania and Kosovo as well as the nation of his birth.

However, after moving to Manchester as a 16-year-old Moyes' comments suggest the midfielder will soon be eligible for England through residency.

"I think there is somewhere where he could qualify for England yes," Moyes said. "I don't know how that it is, I think it's something to do with his residency. I think he's got a choice of countries to play for and he's got probably three or four different countries to play for.

"Obviously he's been called up by Belgium several times and chose not to go at the moment. He's wanted by I think Albania, Croatia, and a few others, he can play for several countries, and England as well."

Asked whether the FA specifically had inquired about the availability of Januzaj, Moyes replied: "Yes they have."

Also keen to praise the youngster's performance after his brace, Moyes explained he had hoped to introduce the youngster into the starting XI three or four weeks prior to his start at the Stadium of Light.

With talk also rife about the player's future as he looks to negotiate a new contract at Old Trafford, with his current terms expiring next summer, Moyes believes United to be the club all youngsters wish to play for.

He said: "I would have started him three or four weeks ago, but for different reasons I just didn't quite get it in the way I wanted it to go or he would have played before now - he's been that good.

"I gave Wayne [Rooney] his debut at 16, I gave Ross [Barkley] his debut at 16, I've given a few debuts but Adnan is certainly up there with all those boys. He's older, he's 18, but he's still very young now for a Premier League player if you look at the ages of the boys who normally come into the teams these days.

"I would have to say today, the boy's performance, it wasn't just his goals, it was his passing, his control, his movement, he's a very, very good player, but we'll do everything we can to keep his feet on the ground.

"We played him in the reserves at Bolton last Monday and it's what we do at the club. He's a very humble boy, he works hard, so we'll do everything we possibly can to keep a level on it, but we know we've got a really exciting talent."

The Scot added: "I think all young boys want to play for Manchester United. I don't think there's a better place for them to have the work, the coaching.

"A club that promotes young players and I'd like to say a manager that promotes young players. If I was the dad of a young boy who was good enough, I'd be saying I think there's a good chance of getting into the Manchester United team. They push you forward, they promote their young players, and that's part of my remit. I was more than happy to play Adnan today."

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