Ole delighted with form of Welsh wizard
OLE Gunnar Solskjaer hailed United winger Daniel James following his superb performance in their 3-1 win over Brighton.
James celebrated his 22nd birthday yesterday and was recalled to the Reds XI after he was rested for the midweek Europa League stroll against Partizan Belgrade.
Wales international James started on the right flank again for United and was instrumental in much of their exhilarating attacking football as they peppered Brighton’s goal with 21 attempts.
M.E.N. Sport revealed in July how James had stunned his new teammates during his first sessions and Solskjaer went into specifics.
“He made an impact straight away,” he said. “I think I told you about his first session, he ran 50 yards back, chased it, won the ball off Anthony [Martial] and went forward and scored 10 seconds later.
“His attitude and his work-rate is fantastic. He has not changed at all, still the same kid. His performances are getting better and better and he’s one that never seems fazed by anything. Very pleased with him.
“How he’s not scored or had a few assists today I think he might go to bed worrying about but very pleased with him.”
James suffered two harsh fouls from Lewis Dunk and Dan Burn in the first-half and both Brighton defenders were booked. “The attitude and behaviour, Dan James and Marcus get used to getting kicked and not to react is right,” Solskjaer added.
“Just get up, see Brandon [Williams] today, a couple of tackles, he’s up again and you don’t wanna show them you’re hurt.”
United returned from the October internationals amid mounting uncertainty over Solskjaer’s position but have won four of their last six games, drawn one and lost at Bournemouth. The victory over Brighton has elevated United up to seventh in the Premier League table ahead of 11 matches in 35 days before the end of the year.
“These six weeks since the international break, when we started against Liverpool, we’ve had four wins and a defeat,” Solskjaer added.
“Bournemouth was disappointing but we’ve had loads of answers to what we’re trying to do and if they don’t get confidence from this I don’t know what to tell them.”