Manchester United ready to let winger leave in January

According to reports, Manchester United are reportedly ready to let the winger leave on loan in the upcoming January transfer window.

Very few have had enjoyed a debut for Manchester United as good as Daniel James. It seemed as if destiny poured its blessings upon him on August 8, 2020 — the day James donned the Red Devils’ jersey for the first time against Chelsea in the Premier League.

Having lost his father rather catastrophically during that summer, James joined Manchester United from Swansea City for a reported transfer fee of £15m. And he took to Premier League football like a duck to water when he came off the bench in the 74th minute of the game.

Paul Pogba’s bursting run caught Chelsea defenders out of their positions. James, on the other hand, found some space on the back of the defence with a darting sprint. Knowing that there could be a chance to make the scoreline 4-0, the midfielder passed the ball towards the Welshman.

When it felt the young and inexperienced James might have taken those unneeded extra seconds on the ball and hence lost his chance to shoot, a fiery shot from the youngster brimming with excitement went past Kepa Arrizabalaga. United won 4-0 that day, thanks to his 81st minute hit.

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Other than those first few weeks where James first racked up a late consolation against Crystal Palace and scored a sumptuous curler against Southampton in a 1-1 draw at St. Mary’s Stadium, it is hard to argue that Daniel James’ Manchester United career has ever taken off convincingly.

Since joining the Mancunian club, James has amassed four goals and seven assists from 51 appearances across all competitions, meaning he has not underperformed drastically but has left a lot to be desired. This season, the 23-year-old speedster has played five games, having contributed nothing in terms of goals and assists.

And therefore, the claims of James moving away from Old Trafford have re-emerged. According to a story from the Mirror, Manchester United are considering loaning out the winger in the upcoming January transfer window.

At the age of 23, James needs to play regularly. Instead, he is mostly making the bench for Manchester United or hardly attaining game time as a substitute in the Premier League.

Leeds United were interested in signing James in the last summer transfer window. However, the deal never got over the line. Sadly, James now finds himself behind the likes of Mason Greenwood, Edinson Cavani and even Juan Mata in Solskjaer’s pecking order.

And given how United have started to play with four midfielders (in a diamond shape) on the pitch, the necessity of an out-and-out winger has begun to fade away. Considering all aspects, it won’t be a shock should he manage to move on loan elsewhere next January.

Would you let Daniel James leave on loan in January?