Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was full of praise for Daniel James after his performance in a 4-0 victory against Real Sociedad on Thursday.
The Welshman was given a rare start as United took on Real Sociedad in Turin, Italy and he repaid the manager’s faith in him with a goal and an assist in the game.
James made a good start to life at the club after his move from Swansea in 2019 but he’s found chances difficult to come by this season, making just three starts in all competitions.
But Solskjaer says that James knows how valued he is at the club, as the Norwegian praised the player for improving his game.
‘Dan has always been in my mind. He’s always in contention,’ said Solskjaer. ‘You can see his X-factor tonight with his work-rate, his pace and running in behind teams. I think he’s scored in his last four or five appearances now.
‘He’s working every single day on improving his game so I’m delighted for him. He knows how much we value him.’
Speaking to BT Sport, Solskjaer praised the player’s decision-making: ‘Very pleased for Dan of course, but every goal might be the last you score so you have to celebrate every goal as it deserves and it was a good goal.
‘I liked his decision making that he went all the way instead of looking too early for a pass so very pleased for him. He has scored maybe in every single of his last appearances so he’s getting back to his best again Dan.’
United take a four-goal advantage into the second leg, meaning Solskjaer can afford to make a host of changes.
Meanwhile, Amad Diallo finally made his debut for the club in the last 13 minutes in Turin and he could now make his full debut in the second leg.
