David Moyes wanted a permanent deal. Jose Mourinho wanted a loan.
Unsurprisingly, the latter won out as Adnan Januzaj’s temporary departure from Old Trafford was confirmed on Friday afternoon.
Januzaj was one of the top targets for Moyes when he replaced Sam Allardyce as Sunderland manager and the Scot was hopeful of securing the 21-year-old on a permanent basis.
But, eager to avoid a repeat of “the Paul Pogba mistake”, United would not allow a top prospect to leave the club only to be bought back for huge money if he develops as he should.
All the best to Adnan Januzaj, who follows Paddy McNair and Donald Love to Sunderland on a season-long loan. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/SGIY6hdKym
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 12, 2016
Januzaj will join up with Moyes, and former United teammates Paddy McNair and Donald Love, at the Stadium of Light on a deal until next summer.
The Belgian’s last loan move did not exactly go according to plan as he was recalled from his spell with Borussia Dortmund in January after starting only three games for the Bundesliga outfit in the first half of last season.
Januzaj’s paperwork was done in time to allow him to feature for the Black Cats in their season opener against Manchester City on Saturday.
Ironically, the winger’s first start for Manchester United came at the Stadium of Light when he scored two goals to beat the club that he will call home for the next season.
And Sunderland fans were delighted to learn of the signing.
Januzaj will do nicely #SAFC
— Jordan Goodman (@goodman0890) August 12, 2016
@SunderlandAFC @ManUtd Good signing.
— Anth (@1973anth03) August 12, 2016
@SunderlandAFC great news,
— Hannah Brown (@HannahSAFC) August 12, 2016
@SunderlandAFC @ManUtd really good signing for Sunderland this.
— Jonathan Dickinson (@joth1878) August 12, 2016
@SunderlandAFC @ManUtd Yassssss you fucking dancer!!!
— SAFCRed&WhiteArmy (@bchapman5111) August 12, 2016
@SunderlandAFC @ManUtd happy with that ???
— Layton (@LaytonConley) August 12, 2016
@SunderlandAFC @ManUtd YES BELGIAN MESSI
— Nate (@CosmicAero) August 12, 2016
@SunderlandAFC @adnanjanuzaj @StadiumOfLight buzzin!!
— Ryan McCarthy (@IamSuckFake) August 12, 2016
@SunderlandAFC @adnanjanuzaj @StadiumOfLight excellent has huge prospect.
— Joel Thompson (@JThompson2589) August 12, 2016
Exclusive interview with Paraic Duffy on the latest GAA Hour. Subscribe here on iTunes.
WATCH: Liverpool BOTTLED the title race 🤬 | Who will win the Premier League?
