Man Utd legend explains why winger failed to reach potential at club

Rio Ferdinand Man Utd

Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand has given his verdict on why an international winger failed to impress at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have had multiple flops in recent years, including Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao and Alexis Sanchez. All three arrived to great fanfare but couldn’t live up to the hype. Perhaps it is the club’s incredibly high standards which make top players crack under the pressure.

One player who never managed to impress Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is Wales winger Daniel James.

The pacy 23-year-old joined from Swansea City in 2019 for an initial £15million. However, he left Manchester in the recent transfer window to link up with rivals Leeds.

James made 74 appearances in all competitions under Solskjaer, scoring just nine goals.

When asked about his summer switch, Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel: “They’ve [Leeds] been on him for ages, they’ve wanted this boy for time.

“Listen, Dan James, I don’t think he’s Man United standard, but he’s definitely Premier League standard and the way Leeds play, he’s going to be a problem for a few teams.

“The kid in that team will be getting the ball and getting forward quick, and that suits his game.

Daniel James Man Utd

“When you have to break down two banks of four like Man United that doesn’t suit James’ game, he likes space.

“But yeah, Leeds United for Dan James will be a fantastic move for both parties.”

When joining the West Yorkshire club, James said: “It feels great. I’m glad everything is over the line now and I’m just looking forward to getting started.

“There’s been interest for a while and it’s happened late in the window due to various reasons, but I’m just glad that I’m here now, I’m ready and I can’t wait to get going.

“It’s an amazing club, with an amazing history and a great group of lads. I know a few of them already and I’ve had some great chats with them already.

“Liam Cooper has text me a few times and I play with Tyler Roberts at Wales so I know it’s a great group of lads, I just can’t wait to play in front of the Leeds fans.”

Pundit downplays Man Utd title bid

Liverpool legend John Barnes doesn’t believe Cristiano Ronaldo is the golden ticket for Man Utd when it comes to winning the league.

The Portugal forward returned to Old Trafford in a €23m (£19.7m) deal from Juventus.

Barnes told BonusCodeBets: “I think a lot of it had to do with nostalgia. Obviously he’s a very good player, don’t get me wrong.

“If he’s going to cost as much as his salary costs and he’s going to help for a year, from a financial point of view they can afford it presumably.

“I don’t necessarily think it will make them any better in terms of winning the league. But there’s a feel-good factor and the fans like it. So I suppose the Glazers will get a bit of respite from the fans. I think it’s a good move.”

READ MORE: Chelsea star blasts ‘useless’ comparisons with ‘exceptional’ Man Utd signing