Daniel James' rise to becoming one of Manchester United's most important players "speaks volumes" about the current state of the club.
That's according to outspoken pundit, former Man City and Leeds defender Danny Mills, who argued that James should be a fringe player in his debut campaign at Old Trafford.
The 21-year-old joined United in the summer from Swansea City in a £15million, with add-ons, having never previously played in the Premier League.
But he scored three goals in his first four appearances for the club and has looked to be one of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's most reliable players going forward.
“Dan James is probably the only one where you look at him, he's almost become the main man at Manchester United," said Mills, speaking to Football Insider.
Mills argued that, in United teams of the past under Sir Alex Ferguson, a new and young player like James would have been steadily phased in. But United's lack of options in forward positions has meant a more prominent role — and too much pressure — for James.
He added: “The new kid on the block, you'd usually you'd get 10 minutes off the bench, 20 minutes off the bench, a start in the cup, maybe a start in the league, back on the bench for two or three games – that's the way Manchester United used to be with young players in the squad.
“Suddenly now he's almost the first name on the team sheet and he's the go-to guy to create chances score goals and score goals. That speaks volumes about Manchester United and the dire situation Manchester United are in.”
Juumnrsu
3
B-TEAM: Romero, Bailly, tuanzebe, dalot, mensah, rojo, Williams, guerreiro, gomez, mata, Pereira, mctominay, garner, James, chong, greenwood, mandzukic ........ SELL: pogba , matic , fred , lingard , young , jones.
hekabknrsy
1
liverpool attack
Womcekm
0
that is very clear that the so call big players in the current team bunch of.,......eg Lingard, Young, Fred, Jones and suppose to be release in January
Memcipr
2
You are very right, although he is a good player but too young to shoulder such a responsibility at club like man u in his first season.
Heabcikmp
1
All teams seem to enjoy commenting on man utd that's how much they are happy to comment relevant or irrelevant
Heabcikmp
2
Dany mills himself might have been the main in long ago fluid man city sheikhs have taken their money and thrown to win titles that's not how we do it its problem time but we will go through and again city will be realing time has the greatest strength and players too we are short of them man utd should have selled all the crap uptil now many years ago but it should happen now means now and then on top of that a recruitment specialist too
benchuwa
5
James is a great player and he was meant to shine at united not because the team performs poor but because he has that talent and heart of fighting
DeGiro
1
such is bound to happen if a club forces a great coach like Mourinho to fall out of favour. Below: the tyres representing manU and those fruits representing Ole at the helms.
Veacostuy
0
Great observation Mills. The problem is the coaching staff which mgnt is aware of but can't react. Senior players have brought it out well but ceo is
Sudhir_Gosavi
1
James is really good player to watch in ManU current team. the only player I think plays with heart out. I am waiting to watch game when the football is under his feet. he I a seriously hardworking guy in ManU current team.
Veacostuy
1
Great observation Mills. The p
jezabdnpyz
1
Not Surprisingly Coming From A Former Man City And Leeds Player. Yes.., We Are Short-handed This Season.., That's Why James Is Playing More Than We Or Him Expected. But The Thing Is.... James Is Good Enough.., So He Plays. As Simple As That.., Danny Mills.