In a recent interview with the Athletic, former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lauded Leeds United forward Dan James.
Prior to entering Elland Road, the Wales international was at Old Trafford, having joined Solskjaer‘s team from Swansea.
James notoriously failed to complete his deadline-day deal to Leeds and ended up playing for their archrivals in the Premier League a few months later.
“We wanted Jude Bellingham badly — he’s a Man United player, but I respect he chose Dortmund,” Solskjaer said of signing him. That was probably prudent. But it’s the reason I admire Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Dan James, and Jadon. Young guys willing to join a team that wasn’t fully functional when I came.”
Is it worth the investment?
Manchester United is generally bad at selling players, yet they made a profit on James.
Despite failing to meet expectations at Old Trafford, Marcelo Bielsa believed he could make something of the Welshman.
One of the most costly purchases in the club’s history turned out to be one of the Argentine’s worst in command at Elland Road.
James spent last season on loan at Fulham and is now in the Championship, where he will try to help the team gain promotion.
This may be his last chance to establish that he deserves to stay at Elland Road, and it remains to be seen where he ranks among the players.
Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto appear to be ahead of him in the pecking order for now, but that could change after a few games.
Competition for positions is always beneficial, and Daniel Darke will be aiming to get more out of James.
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