Daniel James Manchester United
Daniel James has admitted he has not yet reached the level he is capable of after a difficult 2020/21 season. The Welsh international featured just 26 times in all competitions for United last season — which is 20 less appearances than he made in the 2019-20 campaign. James is aware that he isn’t yet reaching the standards set by so many Manchester United players before him, but he is determined to have a much greater influence at Old Trafford next season, and believes he is already getting better.
Daniel James said: “I’m developing every single game. I’m learning. I reflect on every game and every season I’ve played, whether I’ve played zero minutes, whether I play all the games, I think I’m always learning. For me, I’m nowhere near my potential and I just want to keep improving.”
Still, it must be difficult for a player to make a difference when they’re so frequently on the sideline. James did manage to net five times in his limited number of appearances last season, but he has acknowledged that the lack of minutes has impacted his consistency.
Daniel James said: “Working my way back into the team around Christmas [was my toughest challenge]. I didn’t play as many games as I’d have liked, so I was just working my way back into the team.”
James believes that he can be the player United supporters desperately want him to be, and that fans being back in the stadium could help him regain some confidence.
Daniel James added: “It’s been different. It’s been hectic. We know the fans are behind us from home, but it’s just not the same. You just want to hear that roar when you’re running with the ball. It’ll be something that will be great to have back. I think they’re missing it just as much as we are. I hope soon we’ll get it back when everything’s safe.”
However, before he is back in United red, he has the opportunity to present himself as an important player for his country and put his mark on Euro 2020. A good few performances for Wales could stand him in good stead for the beginning of next season.
