Adnan Januzaj made his first Premier League start against West Brom on Monday night since the last game of the 2013/14 season at Southampton, also his first under Louis van Gaal.

Following his performance, the United fans have been left frustrated. Undoubtedly, he produced a poor showing, although, when put into context, fully understandable. 

The 19 year-old started on the right flank in, essentially, the 4-3-3 system forced upon van Gaal to adopt after the failure of the 3-5-2.

Januzaj hugging the touchline throughout the match, failed to exploit his fellow Belgian Sebastien Pocognoli, who may have been familiar with his methods. However, he was too pessimistic in his approach facing up to Pocognoli, cutting in to cross instead of trying to beat the defender with space in behind. Clearly lacking confidence, this was evidently projected in his persistent plan to rely on Rafael, playing in the right full-back position, to do the driving past defenders and make opportunities for players in the box, usually the job of the winger. With no key passes, only one accurate cross and three dribbles, it was all just as if Januzaj had forgotten how to create. Accustomed to doing it under Moyes last season, his style built the sufficient and staggered expectation which eventually led to him acquiring Ryan Giggs' famous No.11 shirt.

But this is all unfair.

There is no doubt Adnan Januzaj is one of the most promising youngsters in Europe. Recently, former United manager David Moyes, who introduced Januzaj during his ill-fated spell at the club last season, has tipped the academy graduate to become of the best.

“Adnan Januzaj is, in my managerial time, the best young talent up there with Wayne Rooney. You can see what he can become. When we had Wayne at Everton you could see the potential. Adnan Januzaj has got all that at the same age as Wayne. He’s one of the best young talents in Europe and he will go on to become one of the best players," Moyes said.

The same potential as Wayne Rooney? He was also found by Moyes at Everton and look where he is now.

Too many people have jumped to conclusions after the draw at the Hawthorns. Although, unsurprisingly as it seems every time United play poorly, someone has to get the blame. Luckily for Rooney he was suspended, unluckily for the latest target, Adnan Januzaj.

It was his first competitive start in over four months, the kid was always going to encounter rustiness during his return. The kid with still a lot to learn. The kid who you can see has unquestionable talent. The kid who exploded onto the scene, looked exhilarating, looked United's best attacking player for the whole of last season. It would also be the first time wholly showcasing the No.11 on the back of his shirt, but is stupidly questioned after one lucid performance.

A new manager has come in, acquired numerous attacking stars and introduced a different 'philosophy' leaving Januzaj's position uncertain. A change which would have shifted Januzaj's beliefs, leaving him with less chance to impress, being pushed aside by Di Maria, Falcao and co. A total contrast to playing under Moyes, where he was the star in the limelight and one of the positives to take away from the terrible campaign.

The fans have to recognise it's still very early days. No question, a young player's form will have dips but it shouldn't even be considered a factor for the mediocre performance considering it was his first full 90 minutes since Southampton and first start since the World Cup, what was expected?

Januzaj is only 19 years-old, we have to be careful about our expectations. Don't analyse him like he's 26 and a player about to reach his peak. We've even seen the best struggle on their way to the top. A player who inspires Januzaj only returned a ropy 5 goals in 33 appearances for United at the same age, that was Cristiano Ronaldo.

Where has the ability to understand how young players like Januzaj need patience, encouragement and opportunity to develop disappeared to? The criticism is unwarranted. A total change of tune from the fans at Old Trafford that were, just a few months ago, telling everyone about a boy who could do anything.