The Welsh wide-man has been used sparingly this season, with his previous appearance in a league starting XI coming in December.
Daniel James’ midweek performance against Real Sociedad earned him a place in the Manchester United starting XI against Newcastle United, says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
James was handed a rare start in United’s Europa League Round of 16 first-leg clash with Real Sociedad.
The 23-year-old produced a praise-worthy performance as he was involved in two of the goals in his side’s 4-0 win. Before setting up Bruno Fernandes near the hour-mark, he himself got on the scoresheet with a tight-angled finish after a dazzling run.
Having made just 12 appearances across all competitions, and being on the pitch right from the start in only eight of them, the Welshman has found opportunities hard to come by this term.
However, Solskjaer suggests that the unfavorable situation could soon change for James, who has finally earned his first Premier League start of 2021.
“I thought his performance was excellent [against Sociedad],” the Man United manager told MUTV when asked why James retained his place in the line-up against Newcastle.
“He gives us energy in the pressing, he gives us runs in behind, keeps the width for us. We felt he deserved another start.”
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