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Man Utd transfer news: How Solskjaer could fit Daniel James into Red Devils starting XI
MANCHESTER UNITED have announced Daniel James as their first signing of the summer transfer window, but how could the winger fit into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's starting XI?
Manchester United announce Daniel James as new transfer
Daniel James has officially joined Manchester United from Swansea City on a five-year deal.
The 21-year-old becomes Solskjaer’s first signing of the summer as the Red Devils manager begins an overhaul of the first team squad.
James is believed to have cost £15million, although that fee could rise up to £18m with various add-ons.
The Welsh winger enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in the Championship, netting six goals and registering seven assists for the Swans.
James also caught the eye with an explosive performance against Manchester City in the FA Cup as the Premier League champions almost suffered a shock in the quarter-finals.
The latest United recruit offers Solskjaer more offensive options ahead of the new campaign after his side struggled for goals in the closing weeks of the 2018/19 campaign.
It is unclear yet whether James will come straight into the starting XI, particularly if high-profile targets such as Gareth Bale and Joao Felix arrive at the club this window.
A loan move for Real Madrid star Bale has been mooted, and James is sure to be behind his compatriot in the pecking order if the switch takes place.
Man United: Daniel James is a 'step in right direction' says pundit
However, he will currently fancy his chances of lining up as part of a three-man attack featuring Marcus Rashford and one of Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata or Anthony Martial.
Meanwhile, the underperforming duo of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez are both out of favour at Old Trafford and could depart this summer.
And there will be even more places available in the starting XI if Solskjaer switches from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1 – with any change likely influenced by whether Paul Pogba stays at the club or not.
Elsewhere, Diogo Dalot appears to be the long-term choice at right-back if a deal for Aaron Wan-Bissaka is not completed, Victor Lindelof should anchor the defence and Scott McTominay will hope for more minutes in midfield after a breakthrough season.
Manchester United predicted line-up with Daniel James
(4-3-3): De Gea; Dalot, Lindelof, Smalling, Shaw; Matic, McTominay, Pogba; James, Martial, Rashford