"Beware of Januzaj" Van Persie Warns Rivals of United'S Newest Threat

Robin van Persie has hailed Manchester United team-mate Adnan Januzaj as one of the finest young talents he has ever seen.

Januzaj has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in Europe and his electric performances this season have earned him a lucrative new five-year contract with the champions.

The 18-year-old scored twice on his first Premier League start at Sunderland to help United to a 2-1 comeback win, and his introduction against Stoke on Saturday helped David Moyes's side come from behind again to win 3-2.

"He's a great player and I'm a great fan of his," said van Persie. "I thought earlier in pre-season that he has something special.

"Over the years I've seen so many young players and I can honestly say that of all the young players I've seen he is right up there in the top one or two.

"He's a special player. He will give Manchester United a great bunch of goals and great games."

Belgium-born Januzaj has already become a target for rival defenders, with United boss Moyes wanting referees to give the young attacker the protection he needs from the inevitable rough treatment that has come his way.

Moyes described Januzaj as one of the most level-headed young players he has worked with, and van Persie echoed his boss, claiming the teenager has the temperament and maturity to handle his new-found stardom and profile.

"He's confident in a good way," said van Persie of Januzaj. "He's not too bothered with the whole occasion or the pressure of the games.

"When I go back 10 years when I was quite young I see similar attributes.

"I was very confident as well and I see some stuff in him and the choices he makes that I made when I was younger as well.

"He's a very big talent and he will be looked after by the staff and players here.

"He's not the new Van Persie, he's the new Adnan. Everyone is their own player."

Januzaj came in for some rough treatment from Stoke's players when he came on for the last 32 minuets of Saturday's 3-2 comeback win at Old Trafford.

But United boss Moyes said there was no way Januzaj would be bullied out of expressing himself on the pitch and said the youngster has the courage to deal with such treatment:

"If ever there was a boy who can take it, it'll be him," said Moyes. "You just hope the referees give him the correct protection, and I am sure they will.

"But he won't be moaning about it. He's a great lad and he'll bounce up and get on with it. You can kick him as hard as you like, it won't affect him."