Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has admitted that a number of injuries was a major contributing factor to him playing Adnan Januzaj in a central midfield role against Sunderland yesterday afternoon.

The 19-year-old is primarily a winger, but he has also on occasions featured as a central attacker.

However, with Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini all ruled out with complaints, Van Gaal introduced the Belgian to the United midfield as a second-half substitute at the Stadium of Light alongside Tom Cleverley.

"It is not usual that we have four injuries in midfield. Every club that has that, has a problem. That is why I played Januzaj in midfield because as a coach I want to win," the United boss told reporters.

"I have said that we need creative passing and I thought Januzaj could provide that. That is the reason."

Januzaj's presence failed to inspire United to all three points, with the encounter ending a 1-1 draw.