As Nicolas Otamendi and Pedro join title rivals Manchester City and Chelsea respectively, United boss Louis van Gaal must turn his attention elsewhere. Southampton star Sadio Mane is the latest to be linked with a move over to Old Trafford, but perhaps the Dutchman need not look so far. For in his grasp is one of the most talented young attackers in Europe.

Adnan Januzaj is the only Red Devils star to score in domestic competition so far this season. Though Memphis Depay shone in midweek, it was the young Belgian who secured all 3 points against Aston Villa last Friday. Since breaking into the squad under David Moyes, the talented 20-year old has struggled to force his way into the former Ajax and Barcelona coach’s plans thus far.

As Ed Woodward jettisons around the world in 11 days in order to secure a big name, the young attacker quietly gets on with his job, hoping to improve on the sporadic appearances of last year. His winning goal at Villa Park reminded us all of what he can do.

A lovely dummy to fool the not-so foolish Micah Richards gave him space to steady himself and fire. Perhaps an element of fortune came with a Ciaran Clark deflection – but the Belgian can be afforded some good luck.

Throughout the game, he was a positive runner - completing more dribbles than anyone during the match despite only playing for 60 minutes. Despite not yet having reached his 21st birthday, the player took the game by storm.

Should van Gaal grow to trust his maverick youngster, United could have the Galactico they are so desperately searching for.

However, the Old Trafford hierarchy want success and they want it now. The Red Devils boss would go on to evaluate areas of Janujaz’s performance as ‘unnecessary’ and he had ‘a lot of ball losses.’ Such a trait can be expected in a youngster and is a stark reminder of a certain Portuguese winger who was labelled a show pony during his early United days.

But van Gaal needs instant gratification, hence the pursuit of Gareth Bale and the like. He’s not building a team like Sir Alex Ferguson, he’s building a title challenge.

That being said, Jaunzaj must have done something to force his way back into the reckoning. After not starting a Premier League match for half a year, he forced the impressive Ashley Young out of the equation in order to earn a starting berth.

Were he to continue his progression in the side, a wonderful partnership could be formed with Memphis Depay over the coming years. Sky pundit Jamie Redknapp described the player as having the ability to ‘turn people inside out’, providing an unpredictability not seen in any Old Trafford side since You-Know-Who was sold to Real Madrid.

Comparisons to CR7 may be far too premature, but in Janzuaj the club possess an enigmatic talent. Paul Pogba was already allowed to leave and the less said about that the better. Perhaps van Gaal shouldn’t search far and wide for his match winner. His Galactico is in his grasp.