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      Troy Deeney predicts Premier League top four at end of season with under-fire Man Utd and Arsenal missing out

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      TROY DEENEY believes Manchester United and Arsenal are BOTH set to miss out on the top-four this season.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Mikel Arteta have enjoyed good results in the early weeks of the campaign but major inconsistency has marred both sides’ form.

      ⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Troy Deeney does not think Manchester United or Arsenal will finish in the top fourCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      United bounced back from two defeats in a week to beat Everton on Saturday, moving them up to 14th.
      While Arsenal were beaten 3-0 at home by Aston Villa – their third defeat in four in the league.
      Fortunately for both sides, the mad nature of the Premier League in 2020-21 has kept them both within touching distance of the top half.

      Southampton sit fourth going into the international break with Leicester top, leaving pre-season favourites Manchester City tenth.
      Watford striker and SunSport columnist Deeney thinks the chaos will eventually simmer down to allow the usual suspects a place in the top four.
      He told talkSPORT: “I think it would be very naïve to say this early in the season that top four was done. This season is crazy.
      “You are going to see some unbelievable results you never thought you’d see.

      “Who thought we’d see Villa beat Liverpool the way they did, and the way they beat Arsenal in the manner they did.

      Arsenal fell to a demoralising 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa on SundayCredit: Getty – Pool

      Manchester United had themselves lost to the Gunners only a week earlierCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      “I think the top four, personally, will have Spurs, Liverpool, Chelsea and [Man] City. Not in that order.
      “I still think Liverpool will win it; City second and then it’s a toss up between Spurs and Chelsea.”
      Tottenham left it late to beat West Brom at the weekend, leapfrogging Liverpool into second.
      And Chelsea are three points off the leaders having comfortably beaten Sheffield United.
      That victory left fellow pundit Ally McCoist agreeing with Deeney, but putting City down as his title favourites.
      He noted: “I have the exact same. I had City winning the league but I did have the option of changing it after the window closed.

      “I’ve been so impressed with Liverpool’s signing of Jota and the way he’s started.
      “I said City so I’m going to have to stick with that.
      “I definitely think the top two will be City and Liverpool. I agree with you – it will be Chelsea and Tottenham.
      “I’m more convinced Chelsea will be in the top four than Tottenham.”

      Arteta says Arsenal are inconsistent and something needs to be improved More

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      Watch Edinson Cavani score first Man Utd goal after unselfish Bruno Fernandes passes up hat-trick chance to assist him

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      EDINSON CAVANI scored his first Manchester United goal in a 3-1 win against Everton – and had selfless team-mate Bruno Fernandes to thank for it.
      The Toffees were caught on the break as they pushed for a late equaliser.

      ⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Bruno Fernandes was on a hat-trick with a chance to bag his third…And he laid it on a plate for Edinson Cavani to score his first Premier League goal 🙌A big result for Solskjaer and Man Utd! pic.twitter.com/roxOZZScer
      — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 7, 2020

      Edinson Cavani scored his first goal for Manchester United after joining on a free transferCredit: Getty – Pool

      Cavani rushed to hug Fernandes after the Portuguese star’s selfless pass gave him his first goalCredit: AFP or licensors
      The pitch opened up and United were able to unleash a four-on-two attack.
      Fernandes could have fired at goal to complete his hat-trick, but unselfishly squared for Cavani.
      The Uruguayan, 33, made no mistake as he coolly fired past Jordan Pickford in the home goal.

      It was Cavani’s first goal for his new club having gone goalless in his opening four games.
      The former Paris Saint-Germain ace will hope it opens the floodgates.
      Speaking after the game, Fernandes said: “I don’t need to think about a hat-trick.
      “For a striker it is important to score for his confidence.

      “He will be important for us and the first goal will give him confidence.”
      As well as Cavani, the 3-1 win will ease some of the pressure on Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      The Norwegian has come under increased scrutiny in recent weeks after a string of bad results, most-recently in the shock 2-1 defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir.
      And Solskjaer would have feared the worst ahead of kick-off too after all THREE of his United predecessors – David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho – all lost their jobs on Merseyside.

      The joy was etched on Cavani’s face after finally getting his first Man Utd goalCredit: EPA

      And when Bernard gave Everton the lead early on, Solskjaer must have been fearing the worst.
      Fernandes got United level with a header shortly after.
      And, five minutes later, his cross for Marcus Rashford missed everyone and snuck in off the far post to put his side in front.
      With Everton pressing to avoid their third straight defeat, they over-committed in attack.
      And United, led by Fernandes and Cavani, took full advantage in the fifth minute of four to be added on.

      Man Utd ace David De Gea doesn’t let a single ball get past him in practise More

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      Patrice Evra demands Man Utd replace the board NOT manager alongside Instagram post of himself riding a camel

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      MANCHESTER UNITED hero Patrice Evra has called on the club’s board to be sacked before Ole Gunnar Solskjaer loses his job.
      The Norwegian is once again under pressure following two disappointing defeats in a week.

      ⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Patrice Evra posted a photo of himself on a camel in his latest critique of the Manchester United boardCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The prospect of Mauricio Pochettino being asked to take over at Old Trafford continues to loom over Solskjaer.
      But the manager’s old team-mate believes there are bigger problems at Manchester United.
      Evra considered the argument for sacking Solskjaer in an Instagram post he put online on Friday.

      Sat atop a camel while in a Red Devils top, he captioned the snap: “New manager..?🤣🤣 What about new board.”
      The people in charge of the club, particularly executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and the Glazer family, have long been criticised for failing to deliver success since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.
      A quiet summer transfer window broke out into a late spending spree, which saw Amad Diallo, Alex Telles and Edinson Cavani among those brought in as the deadline approached.

      Questions have been asked over who exactly is calling the shots in the transfer market with newboy Donny van de Beek yet to start a Premier League game.

      Saturday lunchtime’s trip to Everton is considered yet another key moment in Solskjaer’s time in the dugout.
      But the 47-year-old says he is confident that he will keep his job regardless of the result.
      He told reporters: “Yeah, why shouldn’t I be? If I don’t trust my belief and values and staff’s quality and players’ quality, who else should?
      “I don’t look at one or two results and fall like a house of cards, it’s a setback, definitely.
      “But there’s been too much made of not scoring against Arsenal and Chelsea, there’s been nothing in those games and it’s not long ago we were the best thing since sliced bread against Leipzig and PSG.”

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is once again fighting for his job after a tough start to the seasonCredit: Reuters

      Ed Woodward has also come in for heavy criticism from fansCredit: PA:Press Association
      This is not the first time Evra has slammed the way United is being run.
      As a five-time Premier League winner in almost a decade with the club, the 39-year-old has never hid his desire to see the Red Devils excel.
      Evra has previously criticised Woodward for how his move to Juventus was handled.
      And the former left-back was left stunned by United’s shock 6-1 defeat at the hands of Tottenham earlier in the season.

      He said on Sky Sports: “I’m a positive person and I never want to talk about United because when you tell the truth it can hurt and I’m passionate and I love my club.
      “I know you have to have some filter when you talk on TV, but it’s a shambles.
      “Tonight, no-one has any excuse, they let down all the United fans. And I don’t care about the result because I’ve been beaten 6-1.
      “It’s just about every year it’s the same story. I feel now what all the United fans [feel].”

      Patrice Evra eats cooked chicken in bizarre ‘upgrade’ to infamous video of Man Utd legend licking raw meat More

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      Man Utd’s five most promising wonderkids including ‘little Xavi or Iniesta’ Galbraith and Hannibal Mejbri

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are always on the lookout for top talent and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a plethora of young stars emerging from the club’s academy.
      Mason Greenwood, Brandon Williams and Dean Henderson have all made the step up to the first-team in recent times.

      ⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Hannibal Mejbri, 17, is one of several star youngsters in the Manchester United academyCredit: PA:Press Association
      And there are plenty more wonderkids on the way, from technical playmakers to sturdy centre-backs.
      Here, SunSport looks at the top five United starlets to get excited about.
      Ethan Galbraith (centre-midfield, 19)
      The Red Devils have bred a number of powerhouse central midfielders over the years and Galbraith, who made his debut for club and country last year, may be the latest.

      The Northern-Irishman joined the club in 2017 and has already been praised for his control and vision on the ball.
      Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough recently said: “Ethan, over the last six months, we’ve seen a maturity in his play and the way he goes about his work day to day.
      “Not to put too much pressure on his shoulders, but he’s our little Iniesta or Xavi.”

      Ethan Galbraith, 19, has been likened to Andres IniestaCredit: The Mega Agency
      Teden Mengi (centre-back, 18)
      While Galbraith remains with the Under-23s, defender Mengi has already made the senior side’s bench four times this season.

      Described as a late bloomer, the Manchester-born ace only joined in 2018 and was quickly promoted to captain the U18s.
      All things considered, Mengi is a bit of a speedster and, after a debut in May, he earned rave reviews for leading the U23s to a 6-0 win over League Two Salford in the EFL Trophy.
      He said after that September rout: “For me I am not looking too far ahead just working as hard as I can.
      “I look at the next game and the game after that and if the opportunity comes, it comes.”

      Teden Mengi (right), 18, is now a regular in first-team training sessionsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Ethan Laird (right-back, 19)
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka may have the right-back slot locked down for years to come but teenage prospect Laird could be one to provide some extra competition.
      Solskjaer gave the 19-year-old two runouts in the Europa League last season having impressed at U23 level.
      A United player since the age of nine, England U19 international Laird signed a new contract to 2023 earlier this year.
      However he will have to overcome a difficult year in terms of injuries, one which he admitted to be “sulking” about when the problems first arose.

      Ethan Laird, 19, made his senior debut against Astana last seasonCredit: AFP
      James Garner (centre-midfield, 19)
      Garner was the first of these wonderkids to make the United bench, doing so in January of last year, and is currently on loan at Watford.
      Red Devils fans are hoping to get a good look at the playmaker from his stint at Vicarage Road, with Tom Cleverley one former United prodigy who enjoyed his spell with the Hornets.
      Watford boss Vladimir Ivic has played the 19-year-old in each of the nine Championship games since he arrived, saying in September: “He is one of the most talented players in England.
      “He is a quality player with the ball, he knows how to move the ball fast and he thinks fast which is very important.”

      James Garner, 19, is on loan and impressing at Championship club WatfordCredit: PA:Press Association

      Hannibal Mejbri (attacking midfield, 17)
      As a £9million signing at just 17, there is a lot of pressure on Mejbri’s shoulders.
      But the Frenchman will be just fine if his at-ease style on the pitch is anything to go by.
      An effortlessly classy attacking midfielder, he first set fans’ pulses racing with a delightful assist in the aforementioned rout of Salford.
      And he added to his portfolio with a tasty outside-of-the-boot finish in the U23’s 5-2 win over Brighton on Friday.

      Our #MUAcademy U23s currently lead Brighton 2-0 after goals from Shola Shoretire and this Hannibal effort in the first half! 👏#MUFC
      — Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 6, 2020

      Man United wonderkid Hannibal Mejbri scores sleek goal vs Man City U18s More

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      Man Utd boss Solskjaer refuses to comment on future after ‘unforgivable’ defending in Istanbul humbling

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER refused to say if he feared for his job after a defensive horror show in Turkey saw Manchester United go down 2-1 to Istanbul Basaksehir.
      That is their second consecutive defeat after losing a third home league game on Sunday to Arsenal, which left them 15th in the Premier League.

      ⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rued Manchester United’s defending on Wednesday nightCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Demba Ba popped up to strike a surprise opener in IstanbulCredit: Reuters
      When asked about his position, Solskjaer said: “I decline to comment.
      “It is early and opinions are out there all the time.
      “I have got to stay strong. I am employed by the club to do a job and will do it to the best of my ability.”

      Solskjaer described his team’s defending as ‘unforgiveable’ as they went behind to Demba Ba’s 12th minute opener having left the veteran striker completely free on the break.
      Edin Visca added a second on 40 minutes before Anthony Martial got one back three minutes later – but United had only one more effort on target.
      Manager Solskjaer said: “The performance was not good enough against a team that worked and ran.

      “The first goal when you play a short corner and forget about the man up top, that is unforgivable.

      “We have not done our duties there and it is my responsibility. We have played a short corner but forgot our defensive duties.
      “For the second one we were not very organised to counter press.
      “They were two soft goals we gave away and then there was not enough to come back in the second-half.”
      Solskjaer now has to pick his team up for a lunchtime kick-off away to Everton on Saturday.
      He said: “Of course the last two results have been a punch in the stomach.

      “The only way I know to respond, and I hope the players do as well, is to get your act together together for the Everton game.
      “I am glad we have got a game already on Saturday.”
      It was United’s first defeat in Group H after victories over Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig.

      Man Utd legends van Persie and Scholes tears into the defence during Istanbul Basaksehir Champions League tie More

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      Istanbul 2 Man Utd 1: Sloppy Red Devils stunned as Demba Ba pops up to end strong Champions League start

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S dismal Premier League form carried over into Europe as they crashed to a humiliating Champions League defeat against the Group H whipping boys.
      This was every bit as depressing as their 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal on Sunday and his latest shocker is certain to pile the pressure on United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who took a big gamble by making six changes.

      ⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Demba Ba struck early to help Istanbul Basaksehir to a famous winCredit: Reuters

      Edin Visca bagged the second for his side’s first points of the group stageCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      He could hardly have been expected to field an unchanged side after that dismal showing, but his line-up here still smacked of over-confidence.
      Basaksehir had hardly managed a shot, let alone a goal, in their two previous Champions League encounters, going down 2-0 to both RB Leipzig and Paris Saint-Germain – teams United had swept aside in their opening games.
      But it took the Turkish side just 12 minutes to open their account here, with the entire United defence deserving an assist as 35-year-old Demba Ba ran half the length of the field before scoring.  

      And Edin Vasca took advantage of more non-existent defending to make it 2-0, before Antony Martial’s strike gave United false hope of saving face.
      Ba took his goal with some aplomb, although even he must have been surprised to find himself in acres of space near the halfway line, as he latched onto Visca’s long clearance from a United corner.
      Nemanja Matic was the closest player to Ba but he could not close the gap as the Senegal striker chested the ball down, cut infield, and coolly rolled it past Dean Henderson as he charged off his line.
      The United back four looked accusingly at each other as Henderson picked the ball out of the net.

      The goals against us….please tell me someone is going nuts in that changing room and people are being made accountable.The shape of the team when we lose the ball for the 1st goal 🤬😱🤯#mufc pic.twitter.com/V7aq0rvBYL
      — Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) November 4, 2020

      And United could not pretend they did not know what a threat Ba can pose, even though he is in the twilight of his career.
      During his Newcastle days he scored against them in both matches of the 2011-12 season, and the following season he got the only goal when Chelsea knocked United out in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
      And who could ever forget the way he took advantage of Steven Gerrard’s slip to score the goal that denied Liverpool the Premier League title six years ago?
      With the visitors’ defence continuing to look a complete shambles – despite Harry Maguire’s pre-match insistence the squad was full of leaders – Basaksehir clearly scented blood.
      They should have been two up after 33 minutes when Boli Bolingoli was allowed to race unchallenged down the left flank, before picking out Danijel Aleksic with a pinpoint cross.
      The Serbian player had been left unmarked – surprise, surprise – just eight yards from goal, but he directed his downward header straight at a relieved Henderson.
      It proved a short-lived reprieve. Five minutes before the beak the Turkish side scored a superb second goal, and again they exploited the fact right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka seemed to have no support on his flank.
      This time it was Deniz Turuc who curled the ball in, and a lovely step-over from Ba completely flummoxed the United defence, allowing Visca to smash the ball past the despairing Henderson.

      Manchester United were left scratching their heads at the defeatCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Basaksehir became the latest Istanbul club to haunt the Red DevilsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The pressure is back on Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Anthony Martial’s smart header could not spark a comebackCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      United needed to respond – and quickly. And that is exactly what they did, thanks to a clever bit of trickery from Luke Shaw.
      He skipped over the challenge of former United favourite Rafael – who had earlier distinguished himself with a brave block to smother an effort from Martial – and took a quick look up before delivering his cross.
      Martial had drifted between the two Basaksehir central defenders and made no mistake with a firm downward header.
      That 42nd-minute strike could not cover United’s shortcomings, and Solskjaer decided reshuffle his side at half time.
      He sent on Scott McTominay at the start of the second-half, with Nemanja Matic switching from a holding midfield role to slot in alongside Maguire in place of Axel Tuanzebe, who had looked the most nervous of the United back four.
      And there were a couple more changes just after the hour, with Paul Pogba replacing Donny van de Beek and Edinson Cavani on in place of the ineffective Juan Mata.
      But those changes failed to inject added impetus to the United efforts.
      Their only worthwhile attempt at goal came from a Bruno Fernandes free kick, which beat the defensive wall but arrived at a good height for Mert Gunok to fist the ball away.

      Dean Henderson was left stranded by his defence on a rare start for the goalkeeperCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      United were unable to capitalise on a strong start in Group HCredit: EPA

      It was hard to know whether Pogba was trying to shoot or cross the ball when he hooked it high over the far post – but that seemed typical of a hopelessly disjointed United display.
      There was another double change on 77 minutes with Mason Greenwood and Timothy Fosu-Mensah getting a run at the expense of Marcus Rashford and Wan-Bissaka.
      It smacked of desperation, and the closest United came to an equaliser was when Basaksehir almost conceded an own goal in stoppage time.
      But justice was done when Alexandru Epureanu hooked the ball clear before it crossed the line.

      Man Utd boss Solskjaer refuses to comment on future after ‘unforgivable’ defending in Istanbul humbling More

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      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ends five-game drought to hand Gunners important win

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      IF ONLY ROY KEANE could have put down his microphone and clambered from the Sky TV stage on to the pitch.
      To bring down his very own fire and brimstone on this Manchester United side.

      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s spot kick earned Arsenal the three points

      The first person he would have headed for would have been Paul Pogba.
      Bruno Fernandes would not have been far behind.
      Yes even the great Bruno was rubbish today.
      In fact there was little urgency about anyone in a United shirt.

      Quite simply Arsenal were at it and United were not.
      Arsenal wanted it and United did not seem to mind either way.
      That is unforgivable.
      Some way for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to mark his 100th game in charge.

      Bukayo Saka went close with a header in the first half
      Every time he seems to have turned the corner the team takes him back to square one.
      In his positive programme notes, Solskjaer said: “I think everybody can see now that this group is coming together.
      “With each passing game we’re showing our quality and spirit…”
      Yes against PSG and RB Leipzig that was the case, we could see that.
      But there was none of that quality and spirit on show today.
      It is simply not good enough for a Manchester United team to turn it on one day and take their foot off the pedal the next.
      There are six games gone in the league and they are 15th.
      They have played four home games and taken just one point, with two goals for and ten against.
      I bet they wish they could stay on the road, as they’ve won their last six away.
      In fact, their last league defeat away from Old Trafford was to Liverpool last January.

      Mason Greenwood had United’s only shot on target
      The winning goal came from the penalty spot with Pierre –Emerick Aubameyang converting for his first league goal since the opening day win over Fulham.
      How he and Arsenal needed that after losing three of their last four league games.
      The penalty was conceded because Pogba was simply not alert to the danger when Hector Bellerin darted into the box.
      Bellerin got past him, got to the ball first and Pogba’s outstretched leg caught him.
      It was no surprise really.
      He had been off the pace all game, ambling around. He never seems to sprint.
      As Keane himself put it: “For all Pogba’s talent, he should be in this team, but he doesn’t do enough.
      “He doesn’t do the other side of the game, he doesn’t show enough spirit, enough fight.
      “He’s got talent but that’s not enough for me to play in midfield for Manchester United, you need more than that.”

      Aubameyang’s goal was his first in the Premier League since the opening day of the season
      As for the rest of United’s midfield he added: “If you think Fred, McTominay and Matic in midfield will get Man United back to the heights of winning titles, then you’re living in cuckoo land.”
      Fernandes could not escape criticism either. Subbed on 75 minutes after one of those games where he seems to go into a bit of a sulk.
      There was barely any creation and United only seemed to come to life after they went behind.
      The first half was particularly poor from United, although they did have the only shot on target.
      That came in the 21st minute when Marcus Rasford curled a defence splitting pass into the path of Mason Greenwood who had darted unnoticed into the left hand side of the area.
      His shot on goal was powerful but Bernd Leno saved with his feet at the near post.

      A first win in three Premier League matches lifts Arsenal into the top half of the tableCredit: EPA
      That was about it in terms of an attacking threat from United in the first half.
      Arsenal looked sharper all around the park with Bellerin and Kieran Tierney getting forward and pinning back Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw.
      They had their chances too, first when Bellerin fired the ball across the six-yard box and Aubameyang just failed to connect with an outstretched leg at the far post.
      Just past the half-hour mark he did supply a great chance when he controlled a ball into the area and teed up Alexandre Lacazette eight yards out only for him to completely miss his kick.
      Willian then grazed the bar with a shot that left David de Gea flat-footed and when Bellerin crossed from the right Bukayo Saka sent a free header over.

      You expected a reaction from United in the second-half but it didn’t come.
      A late Donny van de Beek effort that hit Mohammed Elneny’s knee, the goalkeeper’s head and the post was as close as they came to earning an undeserved point.
      They ended the match with just two shots on target, as did Arsenal but it was Mikel Arteta’s side who fully deserved this.
      United deserved a visit from Mr Keane.

      Man Utd vs Arsenal – Watch LIVE, channel info and kick-off time More

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      Man Utd winger Daniel James on worst run without goal for attackers in Premier League after 32-match goalless streak

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      MANCHESTER UNITED winger Daniel James is on the WORST scoreless streak of any attacker in the Premier League.
      The Welsh winger has endured a tough time of it at Old Trafford since completing a £15million switch from Swansea last summer.

      United pipped Leeds to his signature after a series of dazzling displays in Wales.
      But as bettingexpert has discovered, James has gone 32 games without scoring in the top flight.
      That puts him top of the tree as far as attacking players are concerned.

      Close up behind is Everton ace Alex Iwobi – he has failed to hit the ground running after joining from Arsenal.

      Ryan Fraser bags the third spot on the unwanted list – it is 27 games since Fraser last scored, that coming in his time with Bournemouth.
      Wolves winger Adam Traore is in fourth, 25 games without netting, with Newcastle’s powerful forward Andy Carroll next up with 23 scoreless games.
      James has endured tough times off the field prior to his big mvoe to United.
      The 22-year-old was left heartbroken after his father died at the age of just 60.

      Daniel James will be hoping to enjoy a decent second half to the seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Kevan passed away just three weeks before his transfer was completed.
      James was due to be travelling with Wales for a training camp in Portugal prior to Euro 2020 qualifiers with Croatia and Hungary when he received the devastating news.
      Since his big-money move from Swansea he has shown courage on and off the pitch.
      But he admits the personal tragedy and making the switch to the Prem at the same time was hard to cope with. More