Peter Schmeichel heaped praise on Daniel James after Manchester United’s stunning 2-1 derby victory at the Etihad.
James was part of a United frontline that were utterly brilliant on the counter-attack in the first-half. The Welshman, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford were rampant as they sliced through Pep Guardiola’s City backline time and time again.
It’s not an over exaggeration to suggest Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side could have been four or five goals up at half-time at the home of the champions.
Marcus Rashford missed a wonderful opportunity as well as hitting the crossbar with a great effort, and Daniel James forced a save from Ederson when played through on goal in the opening minutes.
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“Someone who is not going to grab the headlines is Daniel James,” Schmeichel told Premier League Productions, as quoted by the Metro.
“Today he was unbelievable, chasing every ball, he was in every counter-attack and, at the same time, he was doubling up with Wan-Bissaka on the right hand side. ‘Ryan [Giggs] must be so happy to see one of his players perform so well. He’s played every single game this season and he’s still playing well. ‘That’s a fantastic signing and he played fantastic today.”
A £15m signing from Swansea City, James has proven to be one of the bargains of the summer. Many had expected the young winger to have a sporadic role in the first-team this season, but he has instead become key in Solskjaer’s plans.
He provides a constant threat for United on the counter, but what was just as impressive yesterday was his work defensively. The 22-year-old defended from the front and often tracked back to prevent City getting in behind United’s defence. It was a fantastic shift from James who has already become a firm fan favourite.