Why Man Utd should have this major worry about new signing Daniel James
MANCHESTER UNITED signing Daniel James has taken coaches at Swansea by surprise.
That’s according to football consultant Ian McGarry, who claims they perceive James as a bottom-half Premier League player at best.
The 21-year-old has completed a medical at United and will finalise his dream move to Old Trafford when FIFA’s international transfer window opens next week.
After joining their youth setup in 2014, James finally nailed down a regular starting spot in Swansea’s first team this term - scoring five goals in 38 appearances under Graham Potter.
But McGarry says the winger’s coaches at the Liberty Stadium are ‘very surprised’ he has managed to secure a move to United.
“Having spoken to some of the people that coach Daniel James at Swansea, they were very surprised that there would be such an ardent interest from a top-six club”
Ian McGarry
“I think this is an interesting one, because having spoken to some of the people that coach Daniel James at Swansea, they were very surprised that there would be such an ardent interest from a top-six club,” he told The Transfer Window podcast.
“They perceive him as a Premier League player to be bottom half at best.
“Now, that’s no disrespect. He’s 21, he can certainly get better.
“But does this tell us something about Manchester United’s transfer policy in this window if they’re pursuing younger players like Dembele and specifically Daniel James?”
McGarry’s comments come amid:
And journalist Duncan Castles thinks United signing James indicates they have a desire to bring young British players in this summer.
“I think it does [tell us something about United’s transfer policy], there’s a desire to bring younger British players to the club,” he said.
“Obviously Ed Woodward likes signing players who he believes will increase in value, who can be at the club for a long time, and Daniel James obviously fits both of those categories.
“I find it a surprising move. I believe one of the clubs in the Premier League who were looking to sign Daniel James was Brighton.
“And with all respect, there’s a big difference between Brighton and what they’re looking for to improve their squad and what Manchester United should be looking for to improve their squad.
“He primarily plays off the left-wing. He’s right-footed. Manchester United have no shortage of right-footed players who primarily play off the left-wing, in fact it’s been an issue for them having too many of them last season.
“For example, for 18 months [Marcus] Rashford getting frustrated when he lost his place in the team when Alexis Sanchez came in.
“It probably tells you that Manchester United are confident, or more confident, that they can get Sanchez out of the squad.”