Januzaj can learn from Messi –Moyes

Manchester United boss David Moyes has urged Adnan Januzaj to learn from Barcelona’s Lionel Messi as he continues to be targeted by opposition defenders.

Fulham defender Sascha Riether was charged with violent conduct after appearing to stamp on Januzaj during United’s 3-1 win at Craven Cottage on Sunday, with the incident one of many challenges involving the young Belgian.

Moyes insists Januzaj must become accustomed to receiving special treatment and believes he will do well to follow Messi’s example.

“He only needs to look at Lionel Messi who is probably the best in the world at getting kicked, getting up and getting on with it and continuing to produce magic all the time,” Moyes was quoted by ESPN as saying.

“I’m not in any way comparing Adnan to Lionel Messi, but I’m certainly saying the way Lionel Messi gets up after being kicked, we hope that’s the way Adnan continues to behave too.

Riether was charged retrospectively by the Football Association and although Moyes admitted he didn’t see the incident during the match, he has called for referees to protect Januzaj.

“I hadn’t seen it until after the game, the view from the dugout made it impossible to see, but it’s a bad stamp and it does look deliberate but that’s for the referee to deal with on the day as far as I’m concerned,” he added