Daniel James of Manchester United is challenged by Christian Ramsebner of LASK during the UEFA Europa League round of 16. (Getty Images)
According to the Sun, Manchester United are set to hand winger Daniel James £15,000-a-week wage increase after his impressive performances during his first season in the Premier League. That will see his £35,000-a-week deal rise to around £50,000-a-week as a reward for his efforts.
Daniel James, 22, joined Manchester United from Swansea City last summer, signing a five-year deal at Old Trafford. He has made 35 appearances across all competitions, registering four goals and six assists.
While the Welshman only signed his first contract with the club last summer, the Red Devils view him as an important part of the club’s future and want to hand him the money he deserves, the report adds.
Manchester United are currently fifth in the Premier League table, just three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea but are being chased hard by the likes of Wolves and Sheffield United, who have a game in hand. Their season has taken a turn for good following the January additions of Bruno Fernandes and Odion Ighalo.
Fernandes has already put in some game-changing performances and Ighalo is beginning to find that goalscoring touch once again. The duo helped the Red Devils put one foot in the Europa League quarter-finals with a dominant 5-0 win against Austrian side LASK on Thursday night.
Injuries to key players have not helped United’s cause but credit to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for keeping the club in the hunt for a top-four finish as well as getting them into the knockout stages of the Europa League.
The 47-year-old tactician has shown his willingness to blood youngsters, with academy products such as Mason Greenwood, Tahith Chong and Brandon Williams currently enjoying their breakthrough campaigns at Old Trafford.
Daniel James has also impressed in his debut season at the club. He got off to a flying start after joining from Swansea City in the summer, scoring three in his first four league games. Since then, the goals have dried up, but his assist record has been consistent in the Premier League with a tally of six for the season.
However, he ended his goal drought by scoring during the Reds’ 5-0 win over LASK. The Wales international made a huge impact at United earlier in the campaign, netting on his debut against Chelsea as a substitute and making himself a fan favourite.
James continued his strong start to life in the Premier League with goals against Crystal Palace and Southampton before the end of August, but he’s since found it more difficult to take opportunities. Solskjaer will hope Thursday’s effort can restore the wide man’s confidence when he does get into promising positions.
However, it’s still early days in James’ Old Trafford tenure and United must not react by handing him a wage rise. He has a five-year contract with the club and is performing well under Solskjaer’s guidance. The club must be patient and let the winger complete his first season, at least.
The fact that a wage increase appears to be under some consideration is testament to James and the manner in which he has impressed in only his first campaign at Old Trafford. The Welshman is a promising player but he doesn’t deserve a pay rise yet.
