RYAN GIGGS wants Dan James to step up after Manchester United failed to land Jadon Sancho.
The Wales winger’s Old Trafford career looked to be under threat as the Red Devils chased the England wideman over the summer window.
Daniel James was heavily linked with a move away from United this summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But United would not meet Borussia Dortmund’s £108million valuation of Sancho, 20, before the deadline.
Out-of-favour James, 22, was linked with Leeds and Brighton loans but Dragons boss Giggs — preparing for tonight’s Wembley friendly against England — hopes James can seize the moment.
Giggs said: “Another winger coming in would mean maybe less games. That’s up to DJ to step up when he does get the chance.”
James was excellent for Wales in last month’s 1-0 Nations League wins over Finland and Bulgaria but has played just 45 minutes for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side in the Premier League this season.
Giggs hopes a change of scene can spark James into action, especially with big hitters Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey sidelined as Wales seek a first win over arch-rivals England since 1984.
Giggs added: “DJ was excellent in both last games. He made the goal in the first and was brilliant for us. He had not played a lot but looked sharp.
“Dan has friends here. He always enjoys coming away, the training, the atmosphere, playing for the country.
“If Gareth and Aaron are here or not, he’s still a threat. He has got speed that always keeps the opposition interested.
“He has that directness as he showed in our last games. If he has not been playing it gives him the opportunity to get minutes.
“No matter what team goes to Wembley and wins it’s a huge achievement.
“I have happy memories at both the old and new Wembley. Hopefully there’s another coming.”
James was left out of United’s squad for Sunday’s 6-1 home defeat by Tottenham through sickness but Wales hope he will be fighting fit to start.
Giggs said: “He had a bit of a bug. He played against Brighton in midweek, felt something before the game and afterwards it wiped him out.
“He also had a knock on his foot so we are monitoring that. There are a couple of players in the same boat.
“We are giving them as much time as we can then deciding on the team.”
Giggs was in the Old Trafford stands for the Spurs hammering as he felt Bale could make his second debut for Tottenham after a loan move from Real Madrid.
Manchester United failed to sign Jadon Sancho during the summer transfer windowCredit: Getty Images – Getty
He said: “I decided to go when Gareth signed and I thought he might have a chance. We had Dan there and Ben Davies and a number of good players on show.
“I was about to leave when Ben came on. I thought I better stay!”
Giggs confirmed his squad were tested for Covid-19 on Monday and the results were all negative.
Ramsey will miss tonight’s friendly after Juventus’ squad were put into a “bubble” when two staff members tested positive for Covid-19.
But he is expected to return for Nations League away clashes against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday and Bulgaria on Wednesday — despite two staff members testing positive for Covid-19.
Giggs added: “Aaron has followed the protocol. We have gone along with that. We expect him to be available. Everything is in hand.”
Ryan Giggs has backed Daniel James to bounce back at Old TraffordCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Jadon Sancho asked to take a pay cut by Man Utd
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
