WHEN Daniel James signed for Manchester United, one of the first people to congratulate him was his girlfriend.
Gorgeous Wag Ria Hughes jumped on to Instagram as soon as the Welsh wizard’s £15m move from Swansea was sealed last year and proudly gushed about his achievements – in an emotional show of support.
Ria Hughes, who dates Daniel James, joined the Man Utd Wags in 2019Credit: Instagram @daniel_james97
Hughes shows off her sporty physique in a bikiniCredit: Facebook
Hughes has been dating James for three yearsCredit: Instagram @daniel_james97
For his 21st birthday Hughes bought James a puppyCredit: Instagram @daniel_james97
The pair have been dating for three years and appear to be completely smitten with one another, often sharing love-up snaps on social media.
And they even have an adorable pooch together, which Hughes gave James for his 21st birthday, in 2018.
And Hughes isn’t your typical Wag, either.
A sports instructor by trade, she shouldn’t have any trouble fitting in with the beautiful Maja Nilsson – the wife of Victor Lindelof and United’s other Wags.
The fitness fanatic worked at a local gymnastics club in Swansea before making the move to Manchester after James took the next step in his career in 2019.
Joining them on their journey north was Cockapoo called Hugo.
In November 2018, Hughes gave her beloved the cute pet as a present for his birthday.
The winger shared an image on Instagram of balloons spelling out a birthday message with the dog sat with a bow around his neck.
Hugo is the couple’s pet Cockapoo, bought for James’ 21st birthdayCredit: Instagram @daniel_james97
James was over the moon to get Hugo for his milestone birthdayCredit: Instagram @daniel_james97
He wrote: “My early birthday present from @riakatehughes don’t know how she kept this a secret after asking for a dog for so long couldn’t ask for anything better love you.”
Like young lovers do, the pair enjoy enjoy travelling and a summer break away – and headed to Marbella for some much-needed sun last summer.
Hughes and James also enjoyed BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend that summer.
On leaving Swansea in 2019, James signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford worth around £67,000-per-week.
And Hughes was giddy at the news, sharing her adoration with her 600,000 plus followers.
James and Hughes are music lovers, pictured here attending BBC Radio 1’s Big WeekendCredit: Instagram @daniel_james97
Hughes took to Instagram to gush praise on James when he signed for Man UtdCredit: Instagram @daniel_james97
Hughes should have no trouble fitting into United’s Wag circleCredit: Instagram @daniel_james97
She wrote on Instagram: “Even after all these years you still manage to amaze me every single day.
“You work so hard on and off the pitch at everything you do.
“Your determination, your personality, how you deal with things, how selfless you are, how you treat people, your dedication, the ambition you have, just everything about you makes me so bloody proud.
“What a dream of yours this is – I still can not believe it is happening.
“I’m so lucky I get to watch you achieve your goals everyday. Forever grateful.
“There is no better person who deserves this more. Keep working hard. Keep being you. I am so proud.”
Hughes signed off her message telling her beau that she loves him.
The pair could be on the move soon, though – with the winger out of favour under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
A host of clubs are keen to bring him in on loan, with Brighton keen on signing James until the end of the season.
The 17-cap Wales star has scored six goals in 53 games in all competitions for United.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk