Solskjaer: Daniel James is the best defensive winger in the world

Man Utd winger Daniel James has impressed already this season and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was full of praise for the Wales international.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hailed Daniel James as the best defensive winger in the world after his impressive start to his Manchester United career.

"Not really (surprised by him) because when you sit down and speak to the boy you can see an ambitious, driven boy who knows what he wants," Solskjaer said. "He is very analytical and is critical of himself, so he is the right type. The attributes are what you see first. His speed, his one-against-one skills.

"He is probably the best defensive winger in the world with his honesty, commitment and the way he does his recovery runs and doing his back tackles. It is unbelievable, but that is also base for his attacking football because it gives him the space to run into, so I am not that surprised, though very pleased, of course."

Despite securing his place in Solskjaer's first choice starting XI and his quick rise to the top the Norwegian manager believes there's still plenty more to come from the Wales international.

"He is only going to improve by the coaching and the exposure he gets at Old Trafford because when you are not fazed by (being) a Manchester United player then the limit must be sky-high," Solskjaer explained.

James has been key to United's mini-revival since the last international break with Anthony Martial's return from injury also helping to boost the attacking line and Solskjaer will be hoping to see more of the same when his side travel to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United on Sunday.

"When you're attacking quickly as we do we don't have time to doubt ourselves," Solskjaer said. "The players now are confident, good form and are playing freely and on instinct.

"I was an attacker and I know when I've been struggling for confidence you take an extra touch or think twice that's the period we went through six weeks ago, now it feels like if you give us the ball we will have a go."