Ex-Man Utd target Perisic outshines James as Wales suffer Euro 2020 blow in Croatia
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IVAN PERISIC showed Manchester United new boy Dan James how it should be done.
How ironic that it was the Croatian who Jose Mourinho wanted to sign to play on the left side at Old Trafford. 
Ivan Perisic proved to be the matchwinner for Croatia against Wales
And maybe the 'Special One' knew his stuff after all as the Inter Milan man gave Wales nightmares in the heat of Osijek.
In the end, the United board felt the £45 million asking price was too hot for a player who was approaching 30.
Yet he did some damage here - just as he did to England's World Cup hopes last in the semi-final last July.
Here he forced an own goal from James Lawrence before scoring the second himself to win this qualifier for the hosts.
Meanwhile there were some glimpses of the potential of James - who will seal his £18 million move to Old Trafford next week.
The youngster's head must still be spinning after the events of the last few weeks.
A goal on his full competitive debut for Wales back in late March and the sudden death of beloved father aged just 60 last month.
Then there's been the small matter of being Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first signing since taking charge of United.
Ryan Giggs thought long and hard about whether to play him but eventually gave him the nod.
And he showed a couple of times why the Dragons boss is convinced the Old Trafford faithful will enjoy watching their new boy.
When his team-mates got the ball out to him, his pace caused the hosts problems - and will frighten plenty of Premier League defenders next season.
His cross to Harry Wilson at the end of the first half should have led to a Wales equaliser and showed there is more to his game than just pace.
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There were a couple of other occasions too when he looked threatening but he hadn't played for six months and has had so much to deal with.
And 10 minutes from time he was replaced by Rabbi Matondo as Giggs looked for an equaliser.
James looks very much a work in progress - while Perisic showed why he is the finished article.
