Neville hails James’ ‘unbelievable start’ to United career

Gary Neville says Daniel James impressed on his first start for Manchester United against Wolves, to continue his “unbelievable start” to United career.

The 21-year-old scored a debut goal after coming on against Chelsea in their Premier League opener last week and was rewarded with a start for the Red Devils at Molyneux.

“One thing he needs is space to run into,” Neville told Sky Sports. “The big challenge for him is how does he cope when teams are playing deep, when there are five spread across the back.

“If he gets one on one it is obscene pace he’s got. You would not want to play against him.

“He makes six, seven, eight yards in the space of 25 yards.

“The quality is decent when he gets there, it was an unbelievable start for him against Chelsea.”

Neville added: “My biggest concern is that Daniel James, the youngest, most naive and newest United player seems like the biggest leader.”

James was unable to help his new team to three points against Wolves as Ruben Neves’ stunning strike cancelled out Anthony Martial’s opener.

United later had a chance to win the game after Paul Pogba was taken down in the area and awarded a penalty, but the French World Cup winner failed to convert the penalty.

“United are a young team, 24 and a half is the average age and basically there isn’t a player out on that pitch who has said ‘Paul [Pogba], there you go [take the penalty].’

“Managers do allow the dressing room to take responsibility but even if the players decide amongst themselves surely the player who scored last week has to take it this week.

“It isn’t like spin the bottle. I don’t get it.”

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