Daniel James to Manchester United: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer responds to transfer speculation

United are one of several clubs interested in the Swansea winger though a deal is yet to be agreed

Mark Critchley
Northern Football Correspondent
Friday 10 May 2019 05:16 EDT
Comments
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer responds to Manchester United's draw against Huddersfield

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remained coy when asked about Manchester United’s interest in Swansea City winger Daniel James.

Reports on Friday morning suggested that United were close to agreeing a deal worth around £15million for James.

United are understood to be one of many clubs interested in the 21-year-old, though a deal is yet to be struck with the Championship side.

“I don’t know how many names have been mentioned since I’ve come in,” Solskjaer said, when asked about interest in James.

“There are players I’ve barely seen that I’ve read we are going to sign. There’s loads of speculation.

“I can’t comment on every single individual,” he added.

“Many players, as I’ve said. I don’t like when other managers talk about my players and I wouldn’t talk about others, even if I wasn’t or if I was interested.”

United have been criticised in the past for a taking a short-term view in the transfer market by looking to sign proven players in their prime rather than developing young talent.

Solskjaer, however, contested that view on Friday morning, ahead of United’s final game of the season against Cardiff City.

James has impressed for Swansea this season
James has impressed for Swansea this season (Getty Images)

“I don’t think we’ve ever been a ready made club – [Cristiano] Ronaldo was not ready made, [Wayne] Rooney was not ready made,” he said.

“Loads of players have come here and developed into the top superstars they’ve become.

“It’s always going to be the model here that we develop players because we have the best staff, the best environment, the best supporters, if there’s anything they love it’s players that excite them, players that get them off their seats and we hope to get some of them in.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in