Micah Richards explains why Daniel James is playing better for Leeds than Manchester United

12.02.2022 - 00:21 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Micah Richards says former Manchester United attacker Daniel James is "coming of age" at Elland Road under Marcelo Bielsa.

He swapped Manchester for West Yorkshire on deadline day in a £25m deal after failing to cement a regular place in the Reds starting XI.

After a slow start with the Whites, he has scored four in his last two including a brace against Aston Villa in a 3-3 draw at Villa Park on Wednesday.

And the Match of the Day pundit noted how he has gone from "fluffing his lines" at Old Trafford to a "more measured and composed" player at Leeds.

“He scored what two goals before the Villa game and he got another two today,” said Richards via Wales Online.

“I thought his all-around game was outstanding.

“He has played in a central role. At Manchester United, he used to get into some very good positions and fluff his lines a little.

“But I am now seeing a more measured and composed approach. His runs in behind, going from out to in. As a defender, it’s an absolute nightmare – and his link-up play is very good as well.

“Playing on the wing, to play as a striker, it’s different because you have your back to goal. You are playing against [Tyrone] Mings and [Ezri] Konsa, who are very strong – no defender wants to play against pace and movement – and I think in this Leeds side he is coming of age.”

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