DANIEL’S FOR AND AGAINST
DANIEL JAMES admits his dream move to Manchester United was tinged with sadness following the death of his father.
James was delighted to complete his £18million switch from Swansea, signing a five-year deal worth £70,000 a week, with the option for an extra year.
But the Wales international admitted his joy at joining United was tempered by the fact his father Kevan, who passed away last month aged 60, is no longer here to see him play at Old Trafford.
“This is one of the best days of my life and a challenge I’m really looking forward to,” said James.
“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.
“This is an incredibly proud moment for me and my family, but it is tinged with sadness that my father isn’t able to share this experience.”
Joining United has completed a meteoric rise for the 21-year-old, signed by Swansea from Hull as an academy player for £72,000 in 2014 at the age of 16.
James returned from a loan spell at Shrewsbury less than two years ago without kicking a ball, and made his FROM BACK PAGE
United boss. But the 21-year-old former Swansea winger admitted he did not think he would even get the chance to line up against United, let alone pull on the famous red shirt, after completing his dream move.
“For me, it’s surreal, really,” said James. “I think every kid grows up wanting to play for Manchester United.
“I never thought I’d be professional debut for Swansea as recently as February 2018. He was close to joining Leeds on transfer-deadline day in January, only for the deal to fall through at the last minute, and admitted the past few months have been a whirlwind.
“Last season I didn’t think I was going to get much first-team football,” he said. “But it’s been a great six months for me – to get that many games for Swansea and to get my Welsh debut as well has been amazing.”
James (above) has impressed United fans with his exciting displays for club and country, and is now relishing the chance to show what he can do in the Premier League.
“I’d say I’m quite a direct player,” said James. “I don’t just like to get the ball into feet and dribble at players; I like to get the ball in behind.”
The signing of James underlines United’s shift in policy from signing marquee names to young talent they are able to nurture and develop.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “Daniel is an exciting young winger with lots of skills, vision, exceptional pace and a good work ethic.
“We’re delighted he has signed with our club and we are all looking forward to working with him.’’
He added: “This is the perfect environment for Daniel to continue his development.” able to play against them, never mind for them.”
James, who has excited United fans with his displays for Wales, is relishing being a part of Solskjaer’s push to take the club back to the top.
He added: “The ambition they’ve got for the club is amazing for the next few years – to get players in who are hungry and ready to work hard.
“I believe in that and I’m one of those players.”