Ryan Giggs has backed Manchester United youngster Dan James amid growing concerns that the winger is suffering from burnout this season.

The 22-year-old has been a constant presence in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side since joining from Swansea last summer, but his performances have dipped over the past few months, with many feeling the Welshman is suffering fatigue from continuous game time.

However Giggs, who is hailed as a legendary Manchester United player and James' boss with the Wales national side, has allayed fears that the winger is burning out.

Manchester United legend and Wales boss Ryan Giggs has backed 'tough cookie' Dan James

The United winger has failed to score since August amid growing fears over burnout

The Red Devils legend told BBC Sport: 'Dan has done fantastic. To make that step up to United and to have the start that he did, he's fine.

'I've seen quite a lot of him and he's done fine this year. He's played a lot of games, but that's good. The more games you play, the better experience you will have.'

Giggs was questioned as to whether he feels the winger may be suffering from burnout, and stressed that James' experience with Swansea in the Championship stands him in good stead for the rigours of the Premier League.

'No. Dan's a tough cookie, he gets kicked. He's played in the Championship – when you play in the Championship for a couple of seasons you are robust and you are ready for the Premier League.'

Giggs stressed that James is a 'tough cookie' and will keep improving at his former club

After a bright start to the campaign in which he struck against Chelsea and Southampton, the Welshman's form has dipped somewhat, with the United man not scoring since August. Giggs feels the excitement surrounding James' potential leads to him having a big target on his back.

'When you set a standard and you just drop below it then you are open to criticism, but Dan is still doing fine,' Giggs added. 'I've always maintained that he's at a good club, with a good manager who will handle him right.

'Dan is one of those players that will keep improving. Wingers, your job is score goals and make goals, that final ball, trying to get up to those double figures in goals – these are the things that wide players have got to do, and Dan will get there.'