Ryan Giggs reveals what he told Daniel James before Man City v Man United

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Photo: YouTube / Screengrab)

Ryan Giggs has revealed that he jokingly told Daniel James that he would lose his place in the Wales team if he didn’t help Manchester United beat Manchester City at the weekend.

The Red Devils sealed an impressive 2-1 win at The Etihad on Saturday evening thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men continued their mini-resurgence.

James notched up an assist as he played the full 90 minutes and helped the Red Devils to claim all three points in an entertaining derby clash with the Premier League champions.

Former Manchester United midfielder and Wales boss Giggs has now revealed that he joked with James before the game by telling him that his place in the national team was riding on the result.

Asked about James’ impressive display, Wales manager Giggs is quoted as saying by Metro: “I told him that if he doesn’t win today I’m not picking him!”

James, 22, has been in impressive form for Manchester United since signing for the Red Devils from Swansea City in the summer transfer window.

The midfielder – who has also been in good form for Wales – has scored three goals and made four assists in 16 Premier League appearances for Solskjaer’s side and has also featured three times in the cup competitions.

Manchester United are currently preparing for their home clash against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League on Thursday night.

They will then return to Premier League action on Sunday when they host Everton at Old Trafford.

Manchester United’s win over Manchester City left them in fifth place in the Premier League table and five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea FC after 16 games.

MORE: Latest Manchester United news and views

MORE: Football transfer rumours and gossip