Football is a cruel world.
Footballers are crueller.
Adnan Januzaj was a walking example of the need for a thick skin in this business as he was snubbed from being brought on as a late substitute at Carrow Road – not once, but twice.
Primed to enter the action with 20 minutes left to play, Juan Mata’s winner prompted Louis van Gaal into a rethink. Instead, he sent Morgan Schneiderlin on to the field.
Minutes later, Belgian was again summoned, only to be switched with Timothy Fosu-Mensah at the last second.
If that wasn’t embarrassing enough, Januzaj had to go back to sit down next to Anthony Martial who couldn’t help but see the funny side of the situation.
Video: #mufc bench laughing at Januzaj [via @MUnitedGirl] pic.twitter.com/6Ai495ZNuB
— utdreport (@utdreport) May 7, 2016
The 21-year-old’s last competitive appearance was back at the end of February when he was brought on for 10 minutes in the 3-2 win over Arsenal.
He nearly got a run out in United’s third last league game. Nearly. Not so.
They still have a trip to West Ham before their final game at home to Bournemouth. Those games represent Januzaj’s last chance of making an appearance in the FA Cup final.
With Man City set to play Arsenal next, Manchester United’s Champions League dreams are still alive.
Dreams are what will keep poor Januzaj going in these times.
