The subtle yet growing influence of Wales boss Ryan Giggs on Man United’s transfer policy
The Old Trafford legend still has connections at his old club
Monday 25th May 2020
Manchester United legends Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ryan Giggs still have a close relationship
It’s easy to forget just how close Daniel James came to joining Leeds United last January.
The Welshman was poised to join Marcelo Bielsa’s side on loan from Swansea City for the remainder of the 2018/19 season after completing a medical, a deal that would have been made permanent had the Whites gained promotion.
Amazon Prime’s ‘Take Us Home: Leeds United' documentary gave us an unprecedented insight into the collapsed transfer with James even pictured holding up the jersey of his proposed new club.
But then Swans chairman Huw Jenkins, who left his role just two days later, pulled the plug on the deal in the final seconds, believing the move was not in the best interest of the club or the player.
James would have scarcely believed that 18 months on he would be an established member of Manchester United’s first-team squad.
The 22-year-old has made 35 appearances in his maiden season at Old Trafford, offering United a new outlet with destructive pace on the counter-attack.
However, his move from Swansea may never have materialised without the endorsement of his national boss. Ryan Giggs confirmed that he was asked his opinion about the flying winger after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was alerted by his potential in the Championship.
“Yeah, Ole asked me about him,” he said last August.
“I just told him that he’s a player with plenty of potential, obviously really quick. A great lad, someone who you want in the dressing room, great character."
James joined academy graduate Dylan Levitt as the second Welsh player at the club. Levitt, 19, has already been called up to Giggs’ senior squad and is being tipped for great things by those behind the scenes at the club.
And United’s Welsh contingent could be about to double in the summer transfer window as Solskjaer continues to shape his squad around promising British talent.
The Mirror reported that United are leading rivals Manchester City in the race to sign Swansea centre-back Joe Rodon.
Rodon has been labelled the ‘Welsh John Stones’ for his proficiency in possession, but his 6ft 4 frame makes him a more imposing presence than the City defender.
His two seasons in the Championship have proven he has outgrown Swansea and it is inevitable he will depart his boyhood club this summer. Chairman Trevor Birch has already suggested that some of the more valuable players may have to be moved on in order to balance the books in SA1.
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