Manchester United youngster Adnan Januzaj has mixed memories of competing against Saturday's opponents Sunderland.
In an interview with Inside United, the official club magazine, the Belgian prospect reviewed his breakthrough season at Old Trafford and recalled some of the key moments. The Black Cats have featured prominently for him as he enjoyed a dream full debut at the Stadium of Light in October by netting both goals in a 2-1 victory.
"This was one of the best days of my life," he told the magazine. "Scoring two goals on my debut. The second one was harder because it came to me on the edge of the box and it was hard to execute. I just shot and hoped the ball was going in. I was happy that day and will always have special memories of it."
Even though Januzaj produced a dynamic performance on a personal level, things did not go as well when Gus Poyet's side headed to Manchester for the second leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final 22 days into 2014.
Despite another 2-1 triumph on the night, the tie went to penalties because of the Wearsiders' first-leg advantage and United ended up going out and failing to set up a derby in the final with Manchester City at Wembley. Januzaj's spot-kick was saved by Vito Mannone and, although he was one of four Reds to miss from 12 yards, it was a blow to the teenager.
"Losing to Sunderland is a bad memory," he admitted. "I think it was my first disappointment because I missed the penalty and we didn't win, so it was my first bad thing for the club.
"I know we had missed some other penalties but I wanted to score mine. It was very hard because it went to extra time and then to penalties as well, so it was a long night.
"It was just a bad feeling when I missed. You can learn from your mistakes. I know the next time, it has to go in!"
To read the full interview with Januzaj, buy the June edition of Inside United. It is on sale at the ground on Saturday and on Tuesday night for the Hull City match, including as part of a double deal with the matchday programme for only £5.
Source: ManUtd Official "Mixed memories for Januzaj"
