Man Utd starlet James following in Ronaldo’s footsteps, says club legend Giggs
DAN JAMES is following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo by showing the same bravery to deal with hatchet men.
That is the verdict of James’ Wales boss Ryan Giggs, who also played alongside Ronaldo during the early stages of his career at Manchester United.
Wideman James, who turns 22 today, has made a stunning start to life at Old Trafford.
But he has become an instant target to be kicked from pillar to post by defences — just like superstar Ronaldo — and Giggs said: “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.”
James will attack Brighton’s defence at Old Trafford today before linking up with Wales for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Hungary — and the eight-cap ace has also taken his fair share of knocks on the international stage.
He was lucky to escape serious injury when on the receiving end of a collision with Croatia’s Domagoj Vida last month.
And Giggs admits the former Swansea star is now a marked man wherever he goes.
He added: “It was a physical game. You’ve got to stand up for yourself. You’ve got to trust in the referee as well that he protects the players.
“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.”
James — who cost United £15million last summer — was rested for United’s Europa League win over Partizan Belgrade on Thursday.
But Giggs sees a great future for the Hull-born winger, adding: “United fans like players who like to attack, who gets the fans off their feet — and he’s somebody who does that.
“With the form he’s in, he has been outstanding and a constant threat. He’s added goals and assists, which is a wingers’ game. He will get better and better — and I’m pleased for him.”
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However, Giggs is not happy the new favourite has nicked his song.
Fans on the Stretford End used to adapt the Joy Division ditty, “Love, love will tear us apart” to “Giggs, Giggs will tear you apart”.
But Giggs’ name has now been replaced by James and he joked: “I know — ridiculous. I can’t fine him, unfortunately!”