Manchester United winger Daniel James was handed his first start for two months by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the 6-2 win over Leeds yesterday evening.
The Wales international has been on the periphery of the first team for a while, but he rewarded the faith of his manager by getting on the scoresheet.
James has come in for some criticism over the last year after failing to kick on from a promising start to life at Old Trafford but supporters on Twitter were delighted with his performance last night:
His best game by far for a long time, well done danny boy.
— martin fahy (@martinfahy2002) December 20, 2020
Respect
— Frankô (@frankothafifth) December 20, 2020
His work rate was impressive
— Pratap Mishra (@pratmist) December 20, 2020
even if you dont rate him u gotta admire he’s trying, he isn’t complaining he’s fighting ??
— mufc (@Dkezyy) December 20, 2020
I’ve been a huge critic of his play, but I will always take my hat off to his mentality. Did his job well today and did what was asked of him. Well done lad.
— Stuart Gomes (@stuartgomes7) December 20, 2020
Sonic played well today
— pain (@Utd_Pain) December 20, 2020
Daniel James great game today
— Nick (@nickut_d) December 20, 2020
Needed that goal
— Anuragmufc (@Anuragmufc25) December 20, 2020
Go on lad, more of that ?
— Taylor (@TJ_Utd) December 20, 2020
Considering he has hardly been used in recent weeks, it is a testament to the attitude of the player that he was determined to make an impact after being handed his opportunity in the starting lineup.
Whether James can hold down a place in the eleven, it remains to be seen, and he will need to show greater consistency than he has in the past.