Man Utd ‘play better without Daniel James’ claims expert
Manchester United star Daniel James has called out a Sky Sports pundit for saying he supports Liverpool upon moving to Old Trafford in the summer transfer window of 2019. The Wales international joined the Red Devils from Swansea. And he’s enjoyed his time at the Theatre of Dreams so far.
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“I used to look at their players when I was younger - [Eden] Hazard, [Juan] Mata and [Didier] Drogba - and they were players that I loved. You kind of grow out of that.
“It was quite strange playing them in the first game of the season and before the game I never thought I would come on.
“It’s a big game, I thought it would be a close encounter but we were actually 3-0 up.
“Then I thought I could get my opportunity here. It was goosebumps when the gaffer [Ole Gunnar Solskjaer] called my name.
“I think I got 15 minutes which was great. It was surreal and the fans, when I made my debut, it was just great them clapping when you come on and them really cheering you on. That set me alight really.”
James scored his first goal for United in a 4-0 drubbing over Chelsea, sparking wild celebrations from in front of the Stretford End.
And the forward reflected on that moment, adding: “I think I made a couple of runs before that and maybe didn’t get the ball and I just made one more run.
“Paul [Pogba], I didn’t think he’d seen me at the time he played me the ball and I took a touch and I thought this is going to get away from me and I struck it and thankfully it took a nice deflection and went into the back of the net.
“Then it was just pure emotion, goosebumps and I didn’t know what to do with myself really.
“At the Stretford End as well and you could see how happy the fans were, not just for the scoreline but for me scoring on my debut.
Manchester United star Daniel James has reflected on his debut goal vs Chelsea (Image: GETTY)
“When I look back it at now, the whole team came over, even Harry [Maguire] after a long game.
“It was very emotional and my family were up at the top of the Stretford End and I think my mum was crying as well.
“It was a brilliant moment and that will always be the number one highlight of my career, even if I go on to do great things I think that will always stick out because It was my debut and it was just unbelievable.”
Former United star Gary Neville recently opened up on James.
And, amid links with a potential move away, the Red Devils legend insisted James deserved to stay at the club.
Manchester United star Daniel James has blown hot and cold under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Image: GETTY)
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“I think Dan James should stay at Manchester United for Manchester United’s purpose,” he said.
"I think, is he a player that you want to start every week? No, but you do need players of that quality to come off the bench who can obviously cause a problem for other teams, he’s quick, he does get a goal on the odd occasion.
"I think he’d be probably a fifth or sixth forward, they’d do well to find better. Obviously that top three - Cavani, Greenwood and Rashford would start.”
James could feature when Wales lock horns with Czech Republic in their World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday night (7.45pm).