• Premier League

Januzaj hits the gym in bid to toughen up

ESPN staff
March 12, 2015
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Adnan Januzaj has been spending extra time in the gym in an attempt to bulk up and become faster.

Januzaj enjoyed a stunning breakthrough season under David Moyes last year, but he has struggled to make the United XI on a regular basis since Louis van Gaal took over.

The 20-year-old has started just seven Premier League games under the Dutchman, although a change in formation - and the poor form of Angel Di Maria - means the Belgian has gained more playing time on the wings as a substitute recently.

Januzaj revealed recently that he prefers to operate as a No.10, but Van Gaal looks set to continue playing him out wide given that Di Maria is suspended for Sunday's game against Tottenham.

And the slight Belgian has been putting in the hard yards in the gym to ensure he is capable of taking on and beating defenders for pace.

"I do a lot of work in the gym. I am trying to be faster and stronger so I can be tougher when I go out on the pitch," Januzaj told United's website. "I am doing a lot of short, sharp stuff so, when I turn a defender or go past a player, I can just get a few metres away from them with my acceleration."

Adnan Januzaj looks set to continue life on the wing for Manchester United © Getty Images
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