‘Do well to find better’: Gary Neville makes claim about £15m ace linked with Leeds twice

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Gary Neville told Super Sunday on Sky Sports that Dan James ‘should stay’ at Manchester United after January links with Leeds.

It was well-documented that before James could don the colours of those at Old Trafford, he could have worn the colours of their old rivals, Leeds.

Months after that Leeds ordeal, James ended up on Man Untied’s doorstep in a £15 million deal from Swansea in 2019 (BBC Sport).

During Man United’s goalless draw at Chelsea over the weekend, Neville reacted to Martin Tyler’s comments about James’ future and how a move to Leeds once fell through.

“Well, Dan James has got himself back into the team, back into favour, he’s been in form,” said Tyler. “Three in his last four games. Slightly spread out. But making more of his opportunities.

“There was talk in the transfer window that he might be moving. Leeds United were minutes from signing him before he went to Man United. That connection was being linked again.

Gary Neville responded: “I think Dan James should stay at Manchester United for Manchester United’s purposes.

“Is he a player you would want to start every week? No. But you do need players of that quality to come in off the bench and obviously cause a problem for other teams. He’s quick. He does get a goal. A fifth, sixth forward. He’s good for Man Utd. They will do well to find better.”

Those at Elland Road were seemingly sniffing for James’ signature for a second time during the winter transfer window.

The Telegraph claimed that the Whites would move for the speedster if Man United were able to obtain a work permit for Amad Diallo, which they did, but no move happened.

Given James’ qualities in the Championship, at the time, if he had made that switch to Yorkshire then it could have been argued that he was the freshness that Leeds needed, at the time, to earn promotion at the first time of asking under Marcelo Bielsa.

In the end, they did it during the following campaign, and it could be argued, whilst he would bulk up Leeds’ squad now. He’s not exactly needed as a first-team starter.