Gary Neville explains exactly why Man Utd need to keep ‘quality’ Daniel James

Gary Neville says Manchester United need to keep hold of “quality” Daniel James – because they’d struggle to find anyone better in his role.

The Welsh winger has come back info form for the Old Trafford side having been kept on the fringes of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side for the majority of the campaign.

Limited to cameos off the bench, he has impressed in United’s Europa League campaign in recent weeks and was rewarded with a Premier League start against Chelsea on Sunday.

Ironically, James made his United debut against the Blues, scoring the fourth in a 4-0 drubbing back in 2019.

After a blistering start to his United career, James hit the buffers slightly and has had to wait patiently for his chances at times.

Transfer links with Leeds United, Brighton and West Brom resurfaced in Janaury, with Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler referencing rumours of an Elland Road switch during commentary at Stamford Bridge.

“There was talk in the transfer window that he might be moving on, Leeds were within minutes of signing him before he went to Manchester United, and that connection was being linked again (in January). False news,” Tyler said.

Neville then went on explain why United have to keep hold of the former Swansea City star and not think about letting him leave the club.

“I think Dan James should stay at Manchester United for Manchester United’s purposes,” he said.

“Is he a player you’d want to start every week? No, but you do need players of that quality to come in off the bench, who can cause a problem for other teams.

“He’s quick, he does get a goal on occasion, he’d be a sort of fifth or sixth foward which is good for Manchester United.

“I think they’d do well to find better, obviously that top three of (Edinson) Cavani, (Mason) Greenwood and (Marcus) Rashford would start.”