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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: Daniel James set the standard in training

by Marwan Harraz

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed Daniel James stunned everyone with his work-rate after he completed his move from Swansea in the summer.

The young Welshman has been Manchester United’s most low-key signing of the transfer window but has impressed almost equally as the more high profile Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

James’ arrival addressed a key weakness of Solskjaer’s side with a natural ride-sided winger desperately needed.

United’s summer business certainly addressed some of their deficiencies but the pacy winger has surprised many by his talent.

A relative unknown, if his pre-season form is an indication of anything, it’s a wonder why no other Premier League side wanted to sign him.

According to Sky Sports, Solskjaer said: “You could see it meant the world to him. He’s had a summer of mixed emotions and experiences. You could see the way he celebrated, he’s been wanting that.

“I know for a fact after talking to him that it meant a lot for him. Since Daniel came in, he has proved to everyone that he is the type of player we want. He’s so hard-working. I think he set the standard straight away.

“On his first day, he made a recovery run that was a fifty-yard run. He won the ball, played it out to a team-mate, ran forward, had a chance blocked, won it back and within 10 seconds had scored. Everyone was saying, ‘Yeah, that’s the boy we want in our team’.”

James’ work-rate perfectly suits Solskjaer’s intense tactics while his pace adds to the desired high-tempo football.

Although he has some competition for his spot it’s tough to imagine the dazzling youngster will struggle for minutes.

At the same time, out of Manchester United’s three signings, James has looked the least ready for immediate, regular starting XI football.

It is clear though that he will easily adapt over the course of the season and should be ready for a consistent impact by next year.

For now though, his role coming off the bench and playing against tired opposition perfectly suits him.

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