Man United fans have been very vocal about their club’s failings during the summer but it was all smiles at Old Trafford on Sunday as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side did a number on Chelsea in the first game of the season.
The 4-0 scoreline doesn’t tell the whole story of the game, though, as Chelsea were unlucky to trail 1-0 at half-time after hitting the woodwork twice.
United turned it on in the second half as Chelsea crumpled, and Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford scored, the latter adding to his converted penalty from the first half.
United saved the best until last. Daniel James, 21, came on for his United debut in the 74th minute and seven minutes later he found himself on the scoresheet.
It was a wonderful moment. The emotion that poured from James as he celebrated was amazing. His teammates surrounded him and celebrated with him for a full minute.
Talking on Sky afterwards James dedicated his strike to his late father who died just days before James moved from Swansea to United.
“It would have been amazing for him to be here today but he’s not, and I’m dedicating that goal to him.”
It was the perfect start to the season for United and a perfect debut for James. Here’s what the United fans were saying about the goal:
Ecstatic for you @Daniel_James_97 and a great result for the team! #MUFC
— Harold! (@iNC0GNiTUM) August 12, 2019
https://twitter.com/ShashiManUnited/status/1160722701222158336
United’s problems last season have been well documented but they looked a team after James scored. The celebrations with James were genuine and they went on for a long time. The emotion was clear to see and fans will have been delighted to see that sort of unity from their players.
https://twitter.com/noahgoodman18/status/1160702916400996353
The scenes when @Daniel_James_97 scored his goal was just incredible, you could just feel the emotions pouring out of the lad and knowing he's dad is watching over him and smiling proudly ???? that one was for him, we the fans are behind you every step of the journey #MUFC pic.twitter.com/Kib9DL78Lh
— Manchester United (@LifeOfaRedDevil) August 11, 2019
Your dads looking down on you with a big smile on his face!??
Your doing him proud @Daniel_James_97 ?? #MUFC #LOVE pic.twitter.com/bJBlKi207A
— MITCH? (@Mitch_Wro02) August 12, 2019
https://twitter.com/ManUtdFanTruth/status/1160676881487867904
https://twitter.com/dan_ftbl/status/1160693841705558019
James dedicated the goal to his father and that would have made the moment extra special. The timing of his death was incredibly unfortunate, just days before James made his move to Man United. For James, though, this was the perfect way to announce himself to the fans.
Last season it seemed like some players didn’t care about playing for United. For James it was obviously a dream come true and one fan summed up the importance of that saying, “This right here is what Manchester United need. Players who are going to be as passionate as this lad is. Someone who will play for the badge and know what it means. Respect & well done on your debut goal.”