It’s a question that has left Manchester United fans scratching their heads this season — how does Louis van Gaal accommodate Adnan Januzaj?

The Belgian starlet made a rare appearance in Van Gaal’s starting XI for their 3-1 win over Leicester City on Saturday.

Robin van Persie broke the deadlock midway through the first-half before Radamel Falcao doubled his side’s lead minutes later.

Foxes captain Wes Morgan headed into his own net just before half-time as United secured their ninth home league win of the season.

Leicester did find the net late in the game through Marcin Wasilewski but there was to be no repeat of the reverse fixture where they fought back to win 5-3. 

But it was Januzaj, who has been drawing attention from a number of big European clubs over recent months, who was one of the players to shine on the day as Van Gaal dumped the much criticised 3-5-2 formation for a more orthodox 4-4-2 diamond.

The winger’s representative, Dirk de Vriese, has claimed that United have rejected a recent approach from Paris Saint-Germain.

Yet despite a lack of first-team opportunities this season, Van Gaal insists that Januzaj does have a future at Old Trafford.

He said: “I think the former manager (David Moyes) has chosen him to play out of the youth team.  Then he had an improvement of his contract. So then you know he is a Manchester United player.”

However the Dutchman also claimed that it was difficult to keep all his players happy but have to prove themselves worthy of a place in his starting line-ups.

“The competition is high and it is difficult for the players to manage. That’s why I want to help (Darren) Fletcher (look for a new club),” said Van Gaal.

“Every time you have to compare. Fletcher is a very good player but I have to compare him with (Michael) Carrick and (Daley) Blind who is playing in that position.

“But it is also like Januzaj who I have to compare with (Juan) Mata.  In the next press conference I shall be asked why Mata isn’t playing and it’s because I have to choose, it’s the same with Falcao.

“But I am looking every day and the players have to show it to me. I’ve said to Falcao, I’ve said to Mata and I’ve said to Januzaj.”