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Adnan Januzaj’s farewell message sparks controversy

Did the Belgian winger make a dig at Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho?

Adnan Januzaj’s farewell message sparks controversy

Adnan Januzaj (Photo: Instagram)

Adnan Januzaj, a one-time Manchester United starlet, stirred up a controversy of sorts with a farewell post in which the 22-year-old winger only thanked "some of his coaches" as he completed a transfer to Spanish side Real Sociedad.

Januzaj uploaded an image of himself in United colours on his Instagram profile with a lengthy caption that read: “Where to start… I’ve had some incredible moments with @manchesterunited since I joined. I want to say a massive thank you to all my teammates that have come and gone from the club…"

"It’s been a pleasure to play with you all. Thank you to some of the coaches and staff that work at Manchester United to make it such a great club! Unfortunately, my time at the club has come to an end and it didn’t go the way I wanted it to go but I will always have love for Manchester United.

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“And finally, a huge thank you to the fans that have stuck by me through the good and bad times! I will never forget that positive support. Thank you #GGMU.”

A United academy product, the young Belgian burst on to the scene in 2013 during the ill-fated David Moyes era and became one of the shining lights in an otherwise drab season for the Red Devils.

Under Moyes’ successor, Louis van Gaal, he struggled to maintain his place in the starting XI and while he was loaned out to Borussia Dortmund for the 2015-16 season, his time in Germany saw him get limited playing time as well and he was subsequently recalled in January 2016. 

Jose Mourinho took over from the Dutch tactician last season but wasn't impressed by Januzaj and promptly loaned him out to Premier League side Sunderland, where the winger was reunited with Moyes. 

At the Black Cats, Januzaj impressed intermittently but with the club getting relegated after an awful season, any hopes of a permanent move evaporated.

In all, Januzaj made a total of 63 appearances for United, scoring five goals during his time at Old Trafford.

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