Man United ‘planning to KEEP Daniel James’ despite signing Jadon Sancho and could hand him new deal

Manchester United are set to resist any offers for Daniel James even though the Wales winger has been knocked further down the pecking order by the signing of Jadon Sancho, according to a report.

James made only 11 starts in the Premier League for United last season, a huge drop from the 26 he made in his debut campaign following a £15million move from Swansea in 2019.

His prospects of getting into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side look even bleaker after United finally captured Sancho from Borussia Dortmund and paid £73m to get their man.

There is no shortage of potential suitors for the 23-year-old Wales international but United have no plans to sell the winger and could even offer him a new contract, according to The Sun. 

The report says Leeds and Brighton are both keen to sign James either on a permanent or loan deal, but United boss Solskjaer wants to keep hold of him, partly because Marcus Rashford is to miss the start of the season.  

Rashford is not expected to return to action until the end of October after undergoing surgery on his shoulder, leaving United short of cover for wide forwards. 

James started in United’s friendly away to QPR on Saturday but was taken off at half-time as they suffered a surprise 4-2 defeat to the Championship side.  

Rashford is not expected to return to action until the end of October after undergoing surgery on his shoulder, leaving United short of cover for wide forwards.  

James started in United’s friendly away to QPR on Saturday but was taken off at half-time as they suffered a surprise 4-2 defeat to the Championship side.  

Jesse Lingard provided a reminder of why Solskjaer is keen to see the midfielder stay at the club when he slotted home a third-minute opener, finishing calmly after being set up by a combination of Greenwood and Facundo Pellistri.

But Charlie Austin headed Rangers level seven minutes later and the home side surged ahead after the break after Solskjaer rang the changes and brought on the kids.

Lyndon Dykes fired Mark Warburton’s side ahead in the 52nd minute and right wing-back Moses Odubajo struck from long range six minutes later.

Dykes then added his second on the hour after cutting inside and drilling a low shot past Lee Grant before Anthony Elanga – who missed a glorious chance after appearing at the break – reduced the deficit when he curled a left foot shot inside the far post in the 73rd minute.