Manchester United news: Daniel James reveals how he’ll cope with rough treatment after Moussa Sissoko incident

Daniel James insists he can cope with rough treatment on the pitch after the Manchester United star was hacked down by Moussa Sissoko in a friendly. 

The Tottenham midfielder appeared to stamp on the Welsh speedster, who has quickly settled since joining Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side for £15m from Swansea City. 

James insists he has been receiving late challenges for a while now and is not concerned at all. 

“If you watch any of my games from last season I think it’s going to happen to me every game,” James said. 

“I got some rough treatment (against Spurs) but it’s literally every game – I’m used to it. It’s just about getting back up and getting on with it.

“It’s always going to be part of my game. Being a winger, I’m always going to get fouled but it’s just about how you get on with it.

“I don’t let it get in my head and just keep going. The Sissoko one, I’ve nipped in just before and he’s fouled me at the edge of the box in a good position. Part of my game is about winning those fouls and getting in good positions.”

James is not worried about receiving extra protection from referees either, revealing he is content as things stand.

“Yeah, I think I do (receive enough protection from referees),” James admitted. “I’d say in these friendly games the refs are a bit more lenient, maybe a bit more lenient than they are back home.

“It’s a friendly so you’re always going to be more lenient. They don’t want to be handing out red cards. We’ll see when we get back, but certainly last year there was a bit of rough treatment.”

James now has his sights set on earning a starting role in the Premier League opener against Chelsea, with friendlies still to come against Kristiansund and AC Milan. 

“It’s always going to be tough but it’s a long season,’ he added. ‘If it’s not there at the start, I’ve just got to keep biding my time and try and get in that team.

“Obviously, I hope that I start on the first day (at home to Chelsea) but it’s not always the case. I’ve started a few but we’ve shared the minutes. I think all the positions are still up for grabs.

“The gaffer has given everyone a chance to play. We’ve still got two games to go before the start of the season. Everyone is playing well and hopefully it will be difficult for him to pick the team.”