Ex-manager makes James claim Leeds fans will hate after Man United exit
Alex McLeish has suggested a “shadow” may have been lifted off Dan James after leaving Manchester United for Leeds United.
The former Scotland boss, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed a step down in terms of “stature of club” could alleviate the pressure on the 23-year-old’s shoulders.
Leeds sealed the capture of James from Manchester United on Tuesday (31st August)
He has joined two-and-a-half years after a move from Swansea to Leeds broke down at the last minute.
James instead remained with the Swans and moved to Old Trafford that summer.
McLeish suggested the Wales international had struggled to get the game time needed to demonstrate his full potential.
As such, he claimed a move to Elland Road could do him the world of good.
“It’s hard to fulfil expectation levels at a club like Manchester United for some young players,” McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“If they drop a level of stature of club, Leeds fans forgive me but Man United are a world recognised club.
“He needs to go somewhere where he really has total belief in himself. Bielsa seems to have a thing about him and therefore he’s going to get more game time.
“He’s going to play more regularly and it could be something lifted, a shadow lifted from him.
“He didn’t quite nail down the Man United position. The people he has to fight against in terms of getting a position are world-class players.
“Now Bielsa’s finally got him. He’s shown a bit of faith in the player himself and now he has to show why Bielsa chose him.”
James made 74 appearances for Manchester United, 55 of which came in the starting XI.
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