Daniel James

James: Pool, Perudo and Uno bringing players together

Tuesday 03 August 2021 15:00

Daniel James says it’s not just the Manchester United squad bonding thanks to their trips away to Surrey and Scotland but the whole group, including the staff.

The Reds enjoyed a week at a sunny camp in Surrey between friendlies against Derby County and Queens Park Rangers and are now at the picturesque University of St Andrews ahead of our final pre-season match against Everton on Saturday.

“It’s been great,” James said of the last fortnight, after returning to the club following his Euro 2020 exertions with Wales.

“It has been a little bit different. We’re used to being away abroad but obviously, due to the circumstances, we’ve gone to a few different places [in the UK].

“We went to Surrey last week, it was really nice to get away - the weather was beautiful. We’re in Scotland now, a little bit of different scenery and it’ll be good to train up here. All [focus on the] preparations for the season now because it comes around quick.”

Talking to club media’s Gemma Thompson, James said the boys are loving their pool, Perudo and Uno at the moment.

“We had a pool tournament last week in Pennyhill where Chris the kitman ended up winning,” added the 23-year-old.

“It was great for us all to bond together. There was a lot of staff, a lot of players, and the tournament went on for ages, but Chris was the winner in the end. Us as boys [the players], we all play Perudo together, we’re getting more and more playing every day.

“It’s great to come away. It’s different from training at Carrington every day where obviously you go home after. Here you train and then you’ve got a lot of time in the afternoon and after dinner to chill out and that’s when the boys would rather play a few dice and card games than go into their rooms.”

Anticipation is building ahead of the new season for players and fans alike, but first up, before Leeds United on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, is Everton at home in a friendly.

“It’s a big game against Everton, it’s the toughest opposition we’ll come up against in pre-season," James said.

Watch footage from Monday's training Video

Watch footage from Monday's training

Maguire, Fernandes and van de Beek were all snapped by our cameras on day one of the Scotland camp...

"It’s a great tester going into the game the week after against Leeds but yeah, it’s one that we’re looking forward to. The season comes around so quick, everyone is going to be as fit as they can be.”

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