Daniel James: Has decision to stay at Old Trafford been vindicated?
Dan James of Wales scores his sides first goal against Belarus. Wales v Belarus International Challenge Match at the Cardiff City Stadium. Lewis Mitchell/YCPD.
Dan James’ future at Manchester United looked bleak but a resurgence in form may have prolonged his career at Old Trafford.
The Manchester United winger has found game time hard to come by, as the Red Devils have found themselves amongst a title race at the top of Premier League.
The addition of Cavani to the squad has seen Daniel James‘ appearances become limited, with Martial and Rashford covering the flanks of which the Wales international operates.
With Euro 2021 on the horizon, James will be eager for game time not only to prove his worth to the Wales squad but to ensure his fitness for the tournament.
The signing of Amad Diallo during the January transfer window may also see James fall lower down the pecking order at the club. The former Atalanta player has been training with the first team and may become a regular in the Europa League for Manchester United.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has appeared to state that Daniel James will remain at Manchester United for the rest of the season.
Should James take a last minute move on loan to a fellow Premier League side or even a Championship club, the 23-year-old would presumably double his game time. Importantly for Wales boss Ryan Giggs improving his sharpness ahead of the major tournament expected to take place this summer.
James has been on the end of heavy critiscm from fans of Manchester United regarding his performances in the famous red shirt.
It looks unlikely that he will be able to turn around his fortunes at the club with very little chance to do so and show his worth. Therefore, realistically, James should be looking to move to a side on deadline day that will be offering him a starting role in the side.
From this he will be able to find his club form of which Manchester United fans had an early glimpse of at the start of his time at the club and that Wales fans know he is capable of producing.
Whether the Wales international is ready to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world in Manchester United is a question for another time and only time will tell on that matter. However, with four months to go until the Euros, James has no time to waste.
James should not only be trying to impress Solskjaer with his performances but also Ryan Giggs. The only way he will find consistency is anywhere but Old Trafford.
The 23-year-old should put his passion for the club aside to focus on regaining his form and confidence at another club for the remainder of the season.
What options are available?
A drop from the Premier League to the Championship may work best for Daniel James as this is where he has seen the most success during his short time as a senior footballer.
It would be more realistic too for a Championship side who lack creativity and pace to approach Manchester United for the speedy winger in a last minute move on deadline day.
Having relatively struggled against Premier League opposition, James could restore his confidence as a club player against easier opposition in the Championship.
Having consistently performed at an international level, it will be sharpness and experience for which will concern Ryan Giggs about Daniel James at Manchester United.
However, James has caught the eye of many Premier League sides who have remained interested in the winger should he look to move.
The one football club who missed out on the chance of signing James – Leeds United – remain interested in adding him to their vibrant squad.
Another side who have been linked with the Wales international is Brighton & Hove Albion. This move may suit James best as he would be linked up with former manager Graham Potter with who he worked with at Swansea City.
James actually credited the manager with saving his career at Swansea, after the 23-year-old considered the possibility of not making it at the club before Potter backed him.
Should Daniel James make the move to Brighton, he would slot in perfectly to the 3-5-2 formation that Potter instructs. Slotting in as competition to Solly March who currently operates James’ favoured left flank.
If he could replicate the impressive Tariq Lampety’s early season form, by using his speed advantage on the wings down in East Sussex then James should be in good shape coming into Euro 2021.
One thing is for certain. Game time should be the only thing on the front of player’s mind as he looks forward to an exciting summer which could see him showcase his value to Manchester United for a legend of the club.
