Daniel James completed a £15m move from Swansea to Manchester United this summer
Daniel James completed a £15m move from Swansea to Manchester United this summer (Picture: Getty)

Ryan Giggs has lifted the lid on what he told Ole Gunnar Solskjaer about Daniel James before the winger joined Manchester United this summer.

James caught Solskjaer’s eye during an outstanding breakthrough season for Swansea last term in which he terrorised Championship defenders with his pace and trickery, notching up four goals and seven assists across the campaign.

Alerted to James’ enormous potential, Solskjaer had the perfect person to turn to for advice in Giggs. After all, Giggs handed the 21-year-old his Wales debut earlier this year and knew first-hand what kind of player he was.

Giggs, Solskjaer’s former team-mate for 11 years at United, returned with a glowing reference of James and the youngster completed a £15million from Swansea to Old Trafford at the beginning of June.

James went on to impress in pre-season and scored just eight minutes into his Premier League debut after coming on as a substitute in United’s 4-0 victory over Chelsea.

Asked whether he played a part in James’ move to United, Giggs told The Premier League: ‘Yeah, Ole asked me about him.

‘I just told him that he’s a player with plenty of potential, obviously really quick. A great lad, someone who you want in the dressing room, great character.

‘So yeah, especially for the money it was a no-brainer really because he is a big talent, and since Christmas he’s just got better and better and better.’

Giggs backed James to go from strength to strength at United as he continues to improve all aspects of his game under the guidance of Solskjaer.

‘I watched him a lot for Swansea last year and he could rip nearly every full-back in that division apart,’ the former United winger said.

‘So he’s just got better and better over the last six or seven months.

‘From a standing start he is quick and he will beat anyone.

‘It’s just that like any other young winger, the finishing touches, that final ball, scoring more goals, which he will get better at.’

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