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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Manchester United’s first signing of the summer transfer window, Daniel James, arrived from Swansea as a young winger with a high ceiling and has already appeared to hit the ground running.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted that the Welshman’s attitude and work ethic in training were something to behold, and after an impressive debut against Perth Glory in the first game of pre-season, James is already looking like a potential game-changing signing.
On the chalkboard
As United alternate between a 4-2-3-1 and a 4-3-3, James’ positioning in the set-up is of great intrigue, and according to Solskjaer himself, the 21-year-old’s versatility could prove key.
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The Norwegian said: “Dan can play all across the frontline. Obviously more right and left wing, but through the middle as well. Then again, it’s about finding a relationship that works, sometimes you want the full back to join the attack and maybe you don’t want a winger hugging the touchline.
“We’ll just have to find the balance between width and players in between, so I’m sure you’ll see him both right and left throughout the season.”
At Swansea, James was predominantly used off the left flank and appeared to do his best work in that position as well. As per Whoscored, in 12 appearances from an attacking left midfield role, James registered three goals and five assists. The position gives the Wales international the opportunity to cut inside and strike at goal, as evidenced by his 2.6 shots per game.
But at United, the likes of Anthony Martial, Alexis Sanchez and even Marcus Rashford will provide stiff competition from the left-hand side. On the opposite touch-line is where James could consolidate his position. In some of the Red Devils’ best performances under Solskjaer, United were at their best on the break.
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Having James on the right and Martial on the left would give the Manchester side blistering pace on the counter-attack, and cause the opposition all kinds of problems. The club’s other options last season from the right included the likes of Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata; both with their individual qualities, but not out-and-out wingers, creating a problem on that right flank for both Jose Mourinho and Solskjaer.
So whilst James may have arrived as a more natural left winger, Solskjaer’s comments on his versatility indicate he could be the man to finally solve the club’s problem position on the right-hand side.
