Brace for Januzaj

By Chris
October 6 2013

Adnan Januzaj enjoyed a dream first Premier League start with two fine goals as Manchester United came from behind to win 2-1 at Sunderland. The young Belgian's performance and goalscoring heroics relieve some of the pressure on new boss David Moyes, with the Red Devils climbing into the top half of the Premier League table.

Sunderland had taken a deserved lead into the interval following Craig Gardner's effort, as United's defence failed to deal with a cross and the 26-year-old converted with a low finish.

The hosts could have extended their lead before the break had David De Gea not made a brilliant save to deny Emanuele Giaccherini a headed goal.

United had been poor - and the travelling Red Army were left contemplating a third successive league defeat, with the Sunday press surely poised to heap more misery on struggling Moyes.

However, the Red Devils produced an impressive second-half fightback and two fantastic goals from Januzaj turned the game on its head and saw the 18-year-old grab the headlines.

Parity was restored when Januzaj capped a fine United move by meeting Patrice Evra's low cross with an excellent finish, before the youngster displayed sublime technique with an acrobatic volley that left Sunderland stopper Keiren Westwood with no chance.

Conceeding two goals in seven second-half minutes, the Black Cats were shaken and United looked capable of claiming a bigger victory. However, the hosts gained composure and Moyes' men were forced to weather a late storm to claim maximum points.

United have climbed back into the top half of the Premier League table and sit six points behind top spot. A home encounter with Southampton is next up - and, following a much-improved second-half display, the Reds must be looking for another three points.

Full Time - Sunderland 1-2 Manchester United
Attendance - 45,426