Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said Daniel James is the "best defensive winger" in world football.

James, 22, has impressed in his debut campaign at Old Trafford since his £15 million move from Championship side Swansea City in the summer.

The Wales international has scored three goals and made three assists in 16 games this season and Solskjaer was full of praise for the youngster's defensive qualities.

"He is very analytical and is critical of himself, so he is the right type," he said. "The attributes are what you see first. His speed, his one-against-one skills.

"He is probably the best defensive winger in the world with his honesty, commitment and the way he does his recovery runs and doing his back tackles.

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"It is unbelievable, but that is also base for his attacking football because it gives him the space to run into, so I am not that surprised, though very pleased, of course."

James played a crucial role in helping Wales qualify for Euro 2020 and Solskjaer said the winger can become even better in the future.

"He is only going to improve by the coaching and the exposure he gets at Old Trafford because when you are not fazed by [being] a Manchester United player then the limit must be sky-high," he added.

After a tough start to the campaign, United have won five of their last six games in all competitions, including an impressive 3-1 win over Brighton at Old Trafford before the international break.

Solskjaer's side face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Sunday and a victory would move United into fifth position.