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James: Debut goal helped me settle in at United

20 Oct 2019

Man Utd winger says opening-weekend strike against Chelsea aided his first-team push as he receives Premier League Debut Ball

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The fourth goal in a comfortable opening day win might not be considered Manchester United's most important goal of the season but Daniel James says it might well be his most significant strike.

James came off the bench as Man Utd led Chelsea 3-0 and he scored just seven minutes later to crown a memorable first PL appearance.

"It was pure emotion, and all the team felt that emotion with me," James said after being handed his Premier League Debut Ball by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

"When you come to a new club, especially as a winger, you want to contribute to the team with goals and assists, and to get that goal really has helped me."

The Welshman went on to score also against Crystal Palace and Southampton as he quickly settled into Premier League football after making the step up from Swansea City in the summer.

The 21-year-old says he has benefited from seven consecutive starts after his opening-weekend debut.

Daniel James receives PL Debut Ball from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Daniel James receives his Debut Ball from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has given him a regular starting place since

"When I joined that's what I wanted to do," he said.

"I wasn't coming here just to be a squad player, but for the gaffer to believe in me and play me from the start, that's something I want to continue to do."

James adds that the togetherness within the United squad has made his adaptation to the top flight seamless.

"They've all been great," he said. "I haven't been here for long but I've made some great friends already and that's so important when coming to a new club because you feel a bit intimated at the start, playing at such a big club.

"Everyone has been great with me and I really thank them for that."

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