Aged like a fine wine
Following the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United, as well as other additions to Solskjær’s squad depth, there now seem to be a lot of moving parts at the club as they look to make sure players get the game time they need.
One of the more unfortunate casualties (or fortunate, depending on your viewpoint) of this summer’s business is Dan James, who looks set to finally join Leeds United just two seasons after his move from Swansea collapsed in one of the most bizarre transfer stories in recent years.
James was pictured holding the shirt with his name and number on it before the deal collapsed two and a half years ago. Leeds fans weren’t happy, to say the least, and when the two teams met on the opening day of the season, they weren’t afraid to hide their bitterness.
https://twitter.com/FootballlForAll/status/1432403260921503752?s=20
Somebody @ ‘football images that precede unfortunate events’.
With James on his way to Elland Road for as much as £30m – a club-record fee and three times the amount the Whites were set to pay for him just a couple of seasons ago – one can’t help but chuckle at this video.
Speaking as a fan in Old Trafford that day, they weren’t loud for long, as the celebrations following their equaliser were quickly negated by Greenwood‘s goal in what went on to be a six-goal thriller.
In fairness, putting the money aside, James is a player Leeds had been after for some time and pretty much ever since arrived in Manchester, as the 23-year-old Welsh winger got off to a great start but has been given a rough time from then on.
There is no doubt he has plenty of talent and potential; he’s certainly contributed with some goals and assists in his short but sweet time at United, not to mention with Wales. Regardless, new arrivals and congestion in his position means he’s even less likely to get the minutes he needs.
Moreover, he’s sure to do well in Bielsa‘s fast-paced, counter-attacking team. Question is, how are the Leeds fans going to receive him after such a strange back and forth and, in the same vein, how is James going to feel after watching that?
Related links
- Edinson Cavani to remain with Manchester United after Uruguay call-up cancelled
- Roy Keane sets trophy target for Cristiano Ronaldo and Man United
- Mason Greenwood left out of first England squad since Euro 2020
