What Will Dan James Bring to Manchester United?
Just a week ago, Manchester United made their first foray in this summer’s transfer window with the announcement of Wales international Daniel James signing for just under £20 million from Swansea City.
The winger had a breakthrough season in Wales where he caught the eye of several top clubs, although the first time he came onto the radar in world football was when his transfer with Leeds United controversially fell through on deadline day in January.
James is unbelievably quick. Saying he is just ‘fast’ does not do the forward justice.
One thing that United fans can expect from the 21-year-old is lots and lots of pace. James is unbelievably quick. Saying he is just ‘fast’ does not do the forward justice. When playing against Brentford in the FA Cup this season, he was measured at 36 KPH. Reading this you may be thinking ‘okay, is that good?’ well… Arjen Robben’s world record pace in 2014 was clocked at 37 KPH. This is something to excite the Red Devils fan base, the energy has been missing since Sir Alex left the club, and James could go along way to fixing this in the frontline for years to come. They’ll be hoping he can get the supporters excited and increase the sale of Manchester United tickets.
Dan James skills and goals
After Manchester United scored just 33 goals in 19 Premier League home games, they’ll be looking to James for some renewed attacking inspiration. This he can bring. Only four players in the Championship last season averaged more touches in the opposition box than Daniel James. For a player whose position is predominantly on the wing – this is a promising stat for the Red Devils faithful to hear about.
It’s not just pace without any end product. In the FA Cup he outplayed Manchester City and England full-back Kyle Walker and with Wales he doesn’t look out of place on the pitch with Gareth Bale. His dribbling and determination made him sort after, and former Swansea manager Graham Potter knew the club had to sell due to the youngster ‘outgrowing’ the Welsh side. Potter also stated that he had the ability to play in any of the top-six sides in the Premier League, a bold statement.
Daniel James - 25 Crazy Fast Runs
He doesn’t just bring skills within his game. James is a modest young man who he himself expressed the hype was ‘a bit much’ after one journalist compared the winger to French star Kylian Mbappe. In recent times, with money circulating the football world, young stars can often get caught up with the fame and fortune. It’s evident that James just wants to keep improving and playing the game he loves. The Sun reported that the Reds gave James a very warm welcome to the club with over 40 staff their to greet the winger.
"The Premier League is the best league in the world and Manchester United is the perfect place for me to continue to develop as a player."
Nothing appears to overwhelm the fledgling winger. Wales manager Ryan Giggs gave James his first start against Slovakia earlier in March this year. He went onto score the winning goal in front of a sold out Cardiff City stadium. Giggs said after the victory: “He is a talent, and when you have got that raw pace you are a threat at any level.” The quote insinuated that the former Manchester United legend believed he, like many others, felt he was ready for the step up to the Premier League. The Guardian reported Giggs’ most recent kind words, explaining if he’s himself he will succeed at the club.
However, playing for Manchester United is a whole different ball game to Swansea City, so it will be interesting to see how he gets on. All eyes will now be on the clever winger to see if he can carry that sensational potential into a higher level.
