‘United need to keep players of James’s quality’ ‘Big players like Fernandes have to step up more’
GARY Neville believes Manchester United should ensure Daniel James stays at Old Trafford for the longterm because of the dependable role he provides.
James has rekindled some of the form he showcased when he first moved to United before the 2019/20 season in recent weeks.
The Wales winger has scored five goals in his last 10 games in all competitions for Ole Gunnar
Solskjaer’s side – with the United boss showing more and more trust in the speedy wide man.
The 23-year-old was linked with a move to Leeds United last summer after a mixed first campaign at Old Trafford. After an electric start to life in Manchester, James somewhat tailed off as the season progressed and he found himself struggling to break into Solskjaer’s best side.
However, James started United’s huge away clash at Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.
“I think Dan James should stay at Manchester United for Manchester United’s purpose,” the ex-United right-back said during Sky Sports’ coverage of the game at Stamford Bridge.
“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 has featured in both of United’s Europa League games recently which indicates he could still have a part to play.
PAUL Scholes has reiterated Roy Keane’s point about Bruno Fernandes following Manchester United’s goalless draw against Chelsea on Sunday.
Attacking midfielder Fernandes had a quiet game in west London as United failed to score against a big six side for the sixth straight time in the Premier League.
Keane has previously rejected comparisons between Fernandes and
United great Eric Cantona due to the Portuguese player’s lack of contributions in big games and Scholes made a similar point after the stalemate against Chelsea.
“A lot of the problems I see are the two centre-halves and goalkeeper – well, not so much goalkeeper today,” the former United midfielder told Premier League Productions.
“But the centre-halves need protecting, which means you’ve got to have your two holding midfield players right next to them all the time and it takes away everything from your attacking ability.
“They don’t get up the pitch, they can’t keep the ball in the last third of the pitch because they can’t sustain attacks because they’re too deep.
“And this is a recurring theme now that keeps going on. If they’re going to get to that next level they’ve got to be braver, they’ve got to be braver in the centre of the pitch. They’ve got to change it, the quality has got to be better.
“The big players have got to step up. Again Fernandes today, I can’t remember him doing anything. I don’t remember him creating a chance, I don’t remember him having a shot on goal.
“I don’t remember [Edouard] Mendy, other than a couple of times, being brought into the game. “