Ryan Giggs likens Man Utd star to Cristiano Ronaldo due to key trait

Ryan Giggs has said that Manchester United winger Daniel James is showing the same sort of “bravery” which made Cristiano Ronaldo a success at the club.

James has been backed strongly by Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer so far, having played all 11 Premier League games this season and scoring three goals and assisted two others in that time.

Speaking to Goal about the winger, Wales coach Giggs – who picked James in his latest squad for the upcoming international break – praised the player for his desire to win the ball back after losing it.

In fact, the former United man likened James to Ronaldo in that sense, saying: “Dan takes a lot of knocks but gets up, gets on with it and demands the ball back.

“Ronaldo, especially earlier on in his career, took a lot of knocks and would still demand the ball. It shows huge bravery.

“Dan’s a fantastic character and great professional.”

An example of such bravery came in the last international break, when James returned to the field after receiving a heavy challenge from Croatia centre-back Domagoj Vida.

Giggs added that certain players who possess real quality are often targeted by defenders, saying: “Over the years forwards have been more and more protected.

“But we have a few players who receive nasty treatment because of the quality they possess.  You’ve got to stand up for yourself. You’ve got to trust in the referee as well that he protects the players.”

Read more: Juventus look to tempt Man Utd with four-player exchange bid for Pogba