James: My Dream Day In USA

As Tour 2014 comes to a close, young defender Reece James recalls his two-goal maiden appearance for United's senior team, against LA Galaxy in the Reds' first game in the States...

The day before the game, we were told the line-up and I found out I’d be playing in the second half. I was instantly nervous but also excited and looking forward to the game.

From the shape of the training sessions earlier in the week, I thought I might have a chance of being involved, but I didn’t dare believe it was actually going to happen. I rang home straight away and everyone was excited. That night I didn’t think I was going to sleep – but I did, I had probably one of my best sleeps on the tour!

On matchday I tried to relax in the morning. I watched a bit of a TV series that I’m into at the moment, just to try to take my mind off the game. Then as we got closer to the game, I started trying to think things through – what could happen in the game and things like that.

The boss told me to just enjoy the occasion. He knew it was going to be my debut and told me to go out there and play the way I normally play. Darren Fletcher told me the same thing: to relax, play my own game and not be fazed by the occasion.

As we were driving in to the Rose Bowl and I saw how many fans there were, the nerves definitely increased – it was unbelievable and it’s something I hope to see again. We did our homework on the Galaxy the night before and during the day of the game, discussing what their strengths and weaknesses were. As we neared kick-off, we made sure we had everything ticked off.

As I sat in the dugout during the first half, I had a look at some of the players I might be coming up against, working out how they were doing things, and deciding where I might be able to make an impact and help the team.

About 10 or 15 friends and family had gone to the same house to watch the game together. It was about 4am at home but they all made sure they saw it.

When I came on, I was really nervous to begin with. I was shaking a bit but once I’d got a few touches of the ball, I settled down and felt like I was just playing with my mates again. I just tried to block out the crowd and pretend they weren’t there.

I thought I might get a chance to get forward but I never thought I’d get two goals from it. I don’t really remember much about them, though I have watched them back. They were both similar finishes after the ball just fell to me. It’s about being in the right place at the right time – thankfully I was that day.

I hadn’t scored for United at any level so the first goal was a special moment. I was in a bit of shock – I just turned and looked for the first player who was running towards me. And when the second one went in, I couldn’t believe it was actually happening – it was just my lucky day.

My team-mates were buzzing for me, though a few of them couldn’t believe I’d scored two goals, as even in training I’m not renowned as a goalscorer.

At full-time I had a look around to take it all in, and then the first thing I thought about was what my mum and dad would have been doing. I phoned home as soon as I got on the coach and my dad couldn’t believe it. Both of my parents were quite emotional but they were really proud.

Credit: manutd.com