Daniel James: His first United interview
Daniel James has described his move to Manchester United as "surreal" in his first interview as a Red.
The Welsh international’s transfer was agreed in principle last week, but on Wednesday afternoon, James was officially unveiled as a United player.
Upon becoming our first signing of the summer transfer window, Daniel spoke to MUTV and expressed his delight at joining the club.
To see the full interview, download the Official Manchester United App.
Upon becoming our first signing of the summer transfer window, Daniel spoke to MUTV and expressed his delight at joining the club.
To see the full interview, download the Official Manchester United App.
Daniel, welcome to Manchester United. How does it feel to become a United player?
“Thank you. For me, it’s surreal, really. I think every kid grows up wanting to play for Manchester United. I never thought I’d be able to play against them, never mind play for them, so it’s surreal, and I’m really looking forward to it. I can’t wait to get started.”
It’s been a whirlwind couple of years in your career. Does it seem like things have moved very quickly when you look back at how it’s all happened?
“I think so. Last season I didn’t think I was going to get much first-team football. I remember going into the office at the start of this year and saying I wanted to go on loan, so I got told that I’d be a part of something. Obviously, you go out of the office thinking, ‘Is that true?’, and to get more opportunities this year has been amazing. It’s been a great six months for me – to get that many games for Swansea and to obviously get my Welsh debut as well has been amazing.”
How would you describe your game to a fan who perhaps hasn’t seen you play?
“I’d say I’m quite a direct player. I don’t just like to get the ball into feet and dribble at players; I like to get the ball in behind. I’m quite a pacy player.”
“I think so. Last season I didn’t think I was going to get much first-team football. I remember going into the office at the start of this year and saying I wanted to go on loan, so I got told that I’d be a part of something. Obviously, you go out of the office thinking, ‘Is that true?’, and to get more opportunities this year has been amazing. It’s been a great six months for me – to get that many games for Swansea and to obviously get my Welsh debut as well has been amazing.”
How would you describe your game to a fan who perhaps hasn’t seen you play?
“I’d say I’m quite a direct player. I don’t just like to get the ball into feet and dribble at players; I like to get the ball in behind. I’m quite a pacy player.”
You’ve got quite a good influence at international level with Ryan Giggs as the manager. How big a part did he play in the decision to sign here?
“Yeah, Ryan was obviously a big credit to why I’m here now. Obviously he gave that opportunity to me in the Slovakia game, and to score in the first five minutes was amazing for me. I think the trust he’s given me, and from then on he’s watched a few games of me at Swansea... he’s a big credit to why I’m here now. Obviously he mentioned me here and I’d give a lot back to him for that.”
Have you had the chance to have many conversations with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer yet, about his plans for you going forward?
“Yeah, I’ve spoke to him since I’ve been here. I think the ambition they’ve got for the club is amazing for the next few years – to get players in who are hungry and ready to work hard. I believe [in] that and I’m one of those players. I’m willing to work hard. It’s a challenge I’m looking forward to.”
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“Yeah, Ryan was obviously a big credit to why I’m here now. Obviously he gave that opportunity to me in the Slovakia game, and to score in the first five minutes was amazing for me. I think the trust he’s given me, and from then on he’s watched a few games of me at Swansea... he’s a big credit to why I’m here now. Obviously he mentioned me here and I’d give a lot back to him for that.”
Have you had the chance to have many conversations with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer yet, about his plans for you going forward?
“Yeah, I’ve spoke to him since I’ve been here. I think the ambition they’ve got for the club is amazing for the next few years – to get players in who are hungry and ready to work hard. I believe [in] that and I’m one of those players. I’m willing to work hard. It’s a challenge I’m looking forward to.”
Reading this in our app? If not, you might miss some exclusive features not found on ManUtd.com. Download the Official App here.
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