Chris Nash and Luke Wells batted Sussex into a position of strength on the second day of their Specsavers’ County Championship game against Gloucestershire at Bristol.
ECB Reporters Network21-Sep-2016 ScorecardLuke Wells made 75 to guide Sussex’s fortunes•Getty ImagesChris Nash and Luke Wells batted Sussex into a position of strength on the second day of their Specsavers’ County Championship game against Gloucestershire at Bristol.The pair put on 114 for the second wicket to leave the visiting county on course for a significant first-innings lead. By the close, Sussex were 208 for 4, just 21 runs behind Gloucestershire.Having resumed on their overnight total of 201 for 7, the host county lost their last three first-innings wickets for just 27.Chris Dent, who not only had a century in his sights, but the accolade of being the first Gloucestershire batsman in 11 years to carry his bat in a four-day game, was first to go, caught and bowled by Jofra Archer.The 25-year-old left-hander, who had been the mainstay of the Gloucestershire innings on day one, finished 10 runs short of three figures. He helped himself to 90, off 193 balls with 11 fours.David Payne, who played his part in the pair’s 114 run partnership for the eighth wicket, saw Josh Shaw depart shortly after – bowled by Archer for 1.Then, Payne, whose fifty came off 105 balls with nine boundaries, eventually perished for 56, caught and bowled by England seamer Chris Jordan. Archer finished with the impressive figures of 3 for 39 off 14 overs. Steve Magoffin also picked up three wickets, with Jordan and Ollie Robinson bagging two apiece.Early-afternoon rain and bad light saw the sides taken off twice by umpires Martin Saggers and Paul Baldwin, before the skies cleared and Nash and Wells settled in on a wicket that was still providing the seam bowlers with plenty of help.It was tough going for both players with Matt Taylor, in particular, causing problems outside the off stump.Still, much as Dent had done on day one, the pair stuck to their task and ground it out until Nash departed, for 66, in the 37th over, caught behind by Phil Mustard off the bowling of Josh Shaw.Shortly before tea, Flynn Hudson-Prentice was bowled by Shaw to leave Sussex on 128 for 3 at the interval.Wells continued to prosper in the final session and after passing his half century he added 58 for the fourth wicket with Phil Salt before he became Shaw’s fourth victim of the innings, for 75, off 151 balls with 13 fours.Shaw finished the day with figures of 4 for 45 off 15 overs with Salt, at the close unbeaten on 29 and Ben Brown 13 not out.
ScorecardIan Westwood flays through the off side•Getty Images
Ian Westwood had the right to imagine that all eyes at Chester-le-Street were upon him. They weren’t but perhaps in a perfect world they would have been. After all, he had answered Warwickshire’s call in times of need.It was Westwood who roused himself from an immensely dispiriting season to summon his first Championship century since April last year. And it was Westwood, an unsung professional since his county debut 15 years ago, who will probably prove to have laid to rest Warwickshire’s vague fears of relegation in the process. He deserved his day in the sun.But enough, for now, of Westwood; you probably want to hear about Ian Bell. England certainly did. Trevor Bayliss, England’s coach, had reportedly explored whether theoretically he retained ambitions for a Test recall and, whatever the extent of his interest, the national selector James Whitaker was watching his every move. Like Westwood, he is 34 now, but there is no need for his age to count against him, especially not on a day when a tabloid headline had Cliff Richard proclaiming that he was back to his best.As Westwood and Bell slowly amassed a position of strength, the bird life at Emirates Riverside seemed to capture their mood. Westwood, dropped for a large chunk of the season, had not made a fifty all season. He was the seagull with the broken wing which now rests permanently by the sightscreen at one end of the ground and which has perked up a little since the groundstaff started feeding it a few weeks ago. One spectator was heard to suggest it should be hit with a spade to put it out of its misery. Nobody has suggested that about Westwood even in his worst times.As for Bell, the swallows flitting across the ground just as Warwickshire took the lead begged a question. Gliding gracefully as summer entered its final month, it will not be long before they make the trip south. Bell, with India in the offing, might also have a chance to winter in warmer climes.Bell, like Jonathan Trott before him, fell in the 40s, deflecting Chris Rushworth down the leg side for a soft wicketkeeper’s catch. Graham Onions had hounded him before he reached double figures and almost bowled him off an inside edge, but he dug in, that Horrid Henry nose screwed up with concentration as his grace gradually spilled through. It was a respectable reward but it proved nothing in a season of unconvincing batsmanship which must be sending England’s selectors dyspeptic.It was Scott Borthwick’s legspin that provided a release. If Borthwick tours India, and it is increasingly unlikely, it must be as a specialist batsman. If England claim him as spin-bowling back-up, it is advisable to regard the claim as fraudulent: in his form this season as yet there is regrettably little to commend him – and this season he has had more opportunity to progress.The selection quandary must be met by faith. James Vince and Gary Ballance have not pinned down a place. Bell, obsessing over the Warwickshire captaincy, has seen his knowledge grow but his runs shrink. Awaiting a late-season rush of runs from one or the other will prove nothing. Move Jonny Bairstow up the order as a specialist batsman, introduce Sam Billings or Jos Buttler further down to keep wicket and then back your instinct on the rest. The alternatives will lead to madness.Westwood has never known such discussions. The life of the journeyman pro is rarely forgiving. Deliver a hundred on an away ground and it is often the inadequacies of the home attack that gain attention, especially if your career average is 32 and your county career is presumed to be edging to a close. But do not knock him for surviving so long; knock, if you must, the many who have not been good enough to displace him.With his career hanging by a thread, his resolute 127 took Warwickshire to 315 for 7 at the close of the second day, prospering with angles square on the off side, game when he timed it and even gamer when he did not. He fell to the second new ball, caught at second slip off Rushworth, and was dropped on 39 by Michael Richardson at third slip. Three new-ball incursions were a fillip for Durham, but they are already 108 runs adrift.Westwood felt he deserved it, saying: “I’ve not had much luck this season, so I was probably due the bit I had today. We had a couple of good stands when we had to scrap for every run and I think we did a good job.”It’s never easy when you get left out. You have to keep believing and try your best, which I have always done. This is pleasing for me, but the most important thing is that we are in a strong position.”When the diminutive left-hander (his stock descriptive phrase for the last decade) reached his much-cherished hundred by unfurling a cover drive against Paul Coughlin, he received respectful applause, but nobody purred as they have purred at Bell through good times and bad during the past decade.Instead, it was left to two Durhamites to offer a salty verdict. “Not the best hundred I’ve seen this season,” said one. “First cover drive he’s hit that has gone through the covers,” said another.Such is the lot of a county journeyman.
Glasgow Rangers missed out on securing the Scottish Premiership title this season but they did have one of their players honoured at the PFA awards this month.
Attacking midfielder Malik Tillman was named the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year for his exceptional performances in the division since arriving on loan from Bayern Munich last summer.
The American international has played 29 matches in the league to date and contributed with ten goals and four assists from a number ten position – averaging a Sofascore rating of 7.09.
At the age of 20, the dynamo has proven himself to be a reliable, consistent, performer in the Scottish top-flight and there is no doubt that the ace has been an excellent addition to the squad.
However, there is no guarantee that the Gers star will remain at Ibrox for the 2023/24 campaign. The club do have an option to sign him permanently this summer but Tillman has revealed that he will be taking his time before making a decision on his future.
Glasgow Rangers midfielder Malik Tillman.
This means that there is a possibility that Michael Beale will go into next season without the USMNT dynamo, which could open up the door for another player to burst onto the scene – Alex Lowry.
Who is Alex Lowry?
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder, who came off the bench in the recent 3-0 drubbing of Celtic, is a talented prospect who could be the heir to Tillman's throne at Ibrox next season.
He has only made five senior appearances for the club this term but his form for the academy side over the last two years indicates that the magician has the potential to be a first-team star in the future.
A knee injury at the start of the campaign caused him to miss 12 competitive matches.
However, the "master" of the ball – as he was dubbed by Scottish coach Andy Goldie – has still been able to rack up ten goals and one assist in 11 appearances for the B team – including six goals in eight Lowland League outings – and this shows that he has the scope to be a goalscoring midfielder like Tillman.
This comes after the teenager scored four goals and provided three assists in 15 matches for the first-team and academy combined in 2021/22. He can score and assist goals from an attacking midfield position and occupy similar spaces to the current first-team star, which suggests that the gem could be deployed in the same role next season.
Lowry, who was once hailed as "dangerous" by ex-Gers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst, has two goals and two assists in 12 games for Rangers and has shown great promise as an attacking talent for the club.
His exceptional form at youth level this season indicates that the Scotsman could be ready to make the jump up to playing regular first-team football next term and Tillman's exit could present him with the opportunity to do just that.
Therefore, Beale could unearth his dream heir to the Bayern Munich loanee by unleashing Lowry week-in-week-out for the Light Blues next season instead of signing a replacement for the 20-year-old if he opts against a permanent deal at Ibrox.
Everton's remarkable 5-1 thrashing of Brighton & Hove Albion has left the Toffees in charge of their Premier League destiny as they continue to fight against the drop.
Sean Dyche faces a crucial last three games of the top-flight campaign as he aims to secure the Toffees' survival, and their heroics on the south coast will surely leave his side brimming with confidence ahead of a defining few weeks.
However, their next fixture sees them take on reigning champions and leaders Manchester City, before clashes against Wolves and Bournemouth determine their Premier League fate.
Football FanCast has previewed those three fixtures and how they are expected to pan out…
Everton fixtures 14 May: Man City (h) 20 May: Wolves (a) 28 May: Bournemouth (h) Everton v Man City
Who knows what's in store after the events of the last few days? Everton went to high-flying Brighton and picked up the result of their season, while Manchester City will come into this tie off the back of a pulsating Champions League battle with Real Madrid in sweltering conditions.
Everton, of course, also took a point from their trip to Eastlands earlier this season, and while there have been many changes since then, there are other reasons to suggest they could pull off yet another miraculous result.
The Toffees defeated City's title rivals, Arsenal, in Dyche's first game in charge at Goodison Park, while Pep Guardiola could well have an eye on next week's second-leg affair with Los Blancos. With Everton's players also benefiting from added rest and preparation for the game, we wouldn't be surprised for the masterplan to be well-drilled into the side at Finch Farm before Sunday's clash.
That said, City are purring in the league, and while they might not have it all their own way, they should show the mark of champions they have displayed all too often over the last few seasons.
Prediction: Everton 1-2 Man City
Wolves v Everton
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Wolves' victory over Aston Villa last weekend means the Old Gold are now safe, which means attention may already be turning to the summer for Julen Lopetegui's side.
This can play into the hands of the Toffees, who will have plenty of heart to take from their previous away fixture – and hopefully, the subsequent meeting with Man City.
But while the clash against the Citizens may be seen as a free hit, the trip to Molineux will be anything but. If Everton are looking for omens, though, their last win over their opponents was on the penultimate day of the 2020/21 season – which put Carlo Ancelotti's side in a lofty position of 8th.
Dyche also has a remarkable record against Wolves, losing just one of his previous 11 meetings as a manager. Continuing that record could be what keeps the Toffees up, and their recent performances against Leicester and Brighton could even make them favourites for this one.
Everton could even be safe heading into the final day, while the same will almost certainly be said for their opponents. That may not exactly make for a party atmosphere, but with the pressure off, players may have licence to have some fun.
Only Leeds United have a worse defensive record than the Cherries, and without the need for results at this stage of the season, Gary O'Neil's men could be there for the taking – which will be music to Everton's ears if they are still in trouble themselves.
The team stepped up when it mattered last season, and even if there are any lingering final-day nerves, with the support of the Toffees faithful, everything surely points to a home success here.
Prediction: Everton 2-0 Bournemouth
Predicted run-in points: 6/9 Predicted total points: 38
West Ham have seven games left to further secure their Premier League safety, but how will they get on between now and the end of the season?
The Hammers's 2022/23 campaign has been disappointing overall, having failed to kick on from last year's efforts and instead finding themselves threatened by relegation. There have been clear signs of improved form in recent weeks, however, with the spirited 2-2 draw at home to leaders Arsenal followed up by Sunday's hugely important 4-0 victory away to Bournemouth.
With seven matches remaining, though, it is important that West Ham remain ruthless in pursuit of survival, improving on their current 13th-place position in the process.
Here's how we think David Moyes' side will far in those aforementioned fixtures.
West Ham fixtures 26 April: Liverpool (h) 29 April: Crystal Palace (a) 3 May: Man City (a) 7 May: Man Utd (h) 14 May: Brentford (a) 21 May: Leeds (h) 28 May: Leicester (h) West Ham vs Liverpool
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The triumph at Bournemouth will surely feel like a huge shot in the arm for West Ham, and they may need it for a tough assignment on Wednesday night. Liverpool head to the London Stadium for an entertaining-looking fixture, having won their last two Premier League games, not to mention also coming from 2-0 down against Arsenal, like the Hammers.
There is a feeling that the Reds have a turned a corner, in terms of their ruthlessness and confidence, so this could be a bigger test for Moyes' men than it would have been a month or so ago. For that reason, Liverpool may just edge it, even though the hosts will be buoyed by one of the standout results of the season last weekend.
Prediction: West Ham 1-2 Liverpool
Crystal Palace vs West Ham
David Moyes
April ends with the short trip to south London on Saturday, as West Ham take on a Crystal Palace side who have been absolutely revitalised under Roy Hodgson. The veteran manager has excelled since replacing Patrick Vieira in charge at Selhurst Park, picking up ten points from a possible 12.
This will, therefore, be a big test for the Hammers, who will likely be content with a point before moving on to their May schedule and what is hopefully a strong end to the season.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-1 West Ham
Man City vs West Ham
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Quite simply, May couldn't get off to a harder start for West Ham, who make the daunting trip to Manchester City, who are right at the peak of their powers again.
Having dipped below their top level earlier in the campaign, Pep Guardiola's side are now closing in on Arsenal in almost inevitable fashion, with Erling Haaland looking more unplayable than ever.
Anything other than a convincing defeat would feel like a bonus here, even though anything is possible, and it really is difficult to see City not taking home all three points.
Prediction: Man City 3-0 West Ham
West Ham vs Man Utd
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When Manchester United come to the London Stadium, it always feels like a big fixture for the Hammers, and they can often be eye-catching encounters. Moyes will be out to dent his former club's Champions League aspirations here, and given their recent dip in form, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the east Londoners earn at least a point.
United aren't in the same place they were in a few months ago when Marcus Rashford was in sensational form, and they do feel as though they are crawling over the line a little at this point.
We'll go for a share of the spoils on this one.
Prediction: West Ham 1-1 Man Utd
Brentford vs West Ham
Brentford striker Ivan Toney.
The Hammers' penultimate away fixture of the campaign is a trip to Brentford, in what is their last all-London clash of the 2022/23 season.
The Bees have exceeded expectations throughout the campaign, playing some lovely football along the way, as highlighted by their 2-0 win at the London Stadium back in December. We think West Ham are going to avenge that loss, however, potentially partly due to the Bees being 'on the beach'.
Prediction: Brentford 1-2 West Ham
West Ham vs Leeds
Next up is the visit of Leeds United, as the West Ham faithful hopefully see their side bow out in style for the last of their home fixtures. The Whites are similarly having a season to forget and they are still far from safe from the drop, and they will be underdogs to prevail here.
We predicted a draw between the pair last week, but the weekend's results really showed who the more in-form team is, so a home victory should be expected.
Prediction: West Ham 2-1 Leeds
Leicester vs West Ham
Leicester City's James Maddison reacts.
West Ham's final match of 2022/23 will hopefully be relatively meaningless for them, but for Leicester City, it could be massive. The Foxes are 17th in the Premier League and only out of the relegation zone on the goal difference, and who knows where they will be by the time this games rolls around.
A draw feels like the most likely outcome here, although if this is suddenly a must-win game for the Hammers, we would back them to scoop all three points.
Prediction: Leicester 2-2 West Ham
Predicted run-in points: 9 Predicted total points: 43
Insider ExWHUEmployee has revealed that West Ham United striker Gianluca Scamacca could be out injured for a "couple of weeks".
What is the latest West Ham injury news for Gianluca Scamacca?
The 24-year-old returned from the recent international break with Italy with a knee issue that has now seen him absent for the past three Premier League games.
On April 4, manager David Moyes was quoted by football.london as saying the player could be out of action for a short while.
He explained: “The only news that we’ve got is that Gianluca Scamacca’s got two weeks rehabilitation on his knee at the moment, which is going to keep him out for a couple of weeks."
Worryingly, however, this was over a week ago and yet it doesn't sound as though Scamacca had made a great deal of progress.
Indeed, while writing an update on The West Ham Way Patreon page, Ex revealed that he is still not training and so won't be back for some time.
He said: "Gianluca Scamacca has not yet returned to training and it is looking likely that he will not be available for selection for a couple of weeks yet."
Has Scamacca flopped at West Ham?
It certainly hasn't been a great debut season in England for the Italian. For instance, he has just three Premier League goals in 16 outings.
And while fitness issues have hampered his progress, he hasn't played in any of the club's last ten league games despite being fit enough to make the bench for four of those games.
West Ham United striker GianlucaScamacca
Notably, in that run of games as an unused substitute, West Ham were in need of a goal against Aston Villa but Moyes opted against bringing on Scamacca.
The game ended 1-1 and after the game, the manager defended his decision with some criticism aimed at the forward.
He told the press: “We know that his physical data has got to be much better than it is.
“Gianluca has got to get himself back. No manager wants to put out a bad team, you want to put out the players who you think are going to win for you, so you are always looking to put your best team out.
“I think his application is there, we just want the output to be bigger and more, that’s one of things we are looking for more (of)."
Seeing as the Italian earns £90k-p/w, the club will no doubt be hoping he can get fit and start proving his worth in a West Ham shirt soon.
There is a growing belief within Man City that they could strike a deal for Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham, according to reports.
The Lowdown: City linked…
The Premier League champions have been heavily linked with a move for Bellingham who seems set to stand out as one of this summer transfer window’s most eye-catching sagas.
Both Liverpool and Real Madrid are also thought to be contending for the signature of Bellingham, as well as cross-town rivals Man United, but City are well in the race.
Pep Guardiola is allegedly looking at potential midfield signings who can add goals behind star striker Erling Haaland, with club captain Ilkay Gundogan also linked to leaving.
The Germany international is out of contract at the end of this season and City may well have to face the possibility of saying goodbye to their 21/22 final day hero.
The Latest: City hold Bellingham belief…
According to journalists Rob Dawson and Rodrigo Faez, writing for ESPN, the Blues are ‘growing confident’ they will sign Bellingham this summer.
Liverpool, United and Madrid are still in the hunt, but as things stand, this report claims City and the Bernabeu are seen as the ‘most likely destinations’ should he leave Dortmund.
It’s added that Bellingham is one of Guardiola’s ‘top targets’ ahead of the next transfer window.
The Verdict: What a player…
Signing the 19-year-old would be a major, major coup for City and the ideal Gundogan replacement should he leave.
The 6 foot 1 midfield dynamo, described as a ‘monster’ by members of the press, has already received glowing endorsements from Guardiola – who raved over the player late last year.
After City’s group stage Champions League match against Dortmund, he stated:
“He was 17 when he arrived but it was not just about his quality, [it was] how he was leading, his kicking, going to the referee.”
“This guy was something special in terms of his mentality. Now he is 19 and he is already one of the captains.”
Reporter Dr. Constantin Eckner, meanwhile, picked up on Bellingham’s real quality during the 2020/2021 season – claiming he is the ‘perfect’ box-to-box player.
Eckner explained:
“Jude Bellingham is basically the perfect box-to-box player–no glaring weakness, great awareness, outstanding workrate, and always trying to improve field position.”
The England international is highly unlikely to come cheap and it will be a battle to secure his services, but all of the noises indicate Bellingham is truly worth a real effort.
Leeds United are now in contact with Hakan Calhanoglu’s agent ahead of a possible move to Elland Road, according to Football Insider.
The Lowdown: Transfer speculation
The Whites recently finalised their short-term manager search by bringing in Javi Gracia on a flexible contract, and it looks as if Andrea Radrizzani, the 49ers Enterprises and Victor Orta are already eyeing possible summer signings.
Reports in recent days have suggested that the club have registered their interest in Inter Milan’s Turkish midfielder, and a further update has emerged.
The Latest: Agent update
Football Insider shared an update in the last 48 hours after the speculation emerged regarding Leeds and Calhanoglu.
They claimed that the Whites are now in dialogue with the 29-year-old’s representatives after registering their interest, with the Inter midfielder potentially up for sale in the summer.
The Verdict: Fingers crossed
The Turkey international, who has been hailed as an ‘exceptional’ player by AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli, has made himself known as a free-kick specialist throughout his career.
He has been starring during the current campaign, with his average of 2.1 key passes per game (as per WhoScored) more than any Leeds player. Calhanoglu has actually outperformed the entire Whites squad when it comes to WhoScored match rating (7.07) and appears to be at the peak of his powers at the age of 29.
Therefore, he could be a shrewd prospective addition to help the club’s attacking youngsters with his creativity, and it would be fair to argue that young trio Wilfried Gnonto, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter could all benefit from possibly having the experienced Turk in Yorkshire, so hopefully a move can materialise.
Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka is likely to leave the club during the summer, according to former top flight striker Frank McAvennie.
The Lowdown: Mini-resurgence for Wan-Bissaka
At one point earlier in the season, the 25-year-old had completely lost his place in the team to Diogo Dalot, but an injury to the latter has afforded him more playing time.
Wan-Bissaka has made 17 appearances for United since the 2022 World Cup, nine of which have been a full 90 minutes, and he produced an impressive second-half performance in Sunday’s EFL Cup final win over Newcastle United.
Despite this, the defender has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford in recent times, with his current contract expiring at the end of next season.
The Latest: Ten Hag not a fan?
Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie backed Wan-Bissaka to depart United during the summer transfer window, claiming Erik ten Hag’s preference for Dalot may be a contributing factor:
“I think so. I think the fans are not happy with him. He has not set the heather alight, he comes in and has been lethargic.
“I think he can do better than what he has been doing. Whether that is something to do with the manager not believing in him I do not know.
“There is going to be movement. There are a few of them that are going to move on and it is time for a change. Ten Hag has got them all interested in Man United again.”
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The Verdict: Time to move on?
Wan-Bissaka deserves undoubted praise for his improved form and show of character this season, averaging 1.9 tackles and 1.7 clearances per game in the Premier League.
That being said, United have to be ruthless with him and move him on this summer, with the three-time capped former England Under-21 international still not effective enough in an attacking sense moving forward.
Wan-Bissaka is a good player – he has been called ‘massively important’ by Marcus Rashford – but he is also limited in too many aspects of his game and Ten Hag needs to bring in a superior rival to Dalot, having only registered 11 assists in 144 appearances for the Red Devils.
Manchester United have had their fair share of transfer mishaps over the years since Sir Alex Ferguson abdicated from his Old Trafford throne in 2013, with numerous players arriving for big transfer fees while failing to hit the required heights expected of them at United.
Angel di Maria, Falcao, Memphis Depay… the list goes on. Not only have they spent vast sums over the previous decade, they have also made colossal losses in selling players who have underperformed way below their valuation to simply move them on and get them off the books.
However, one move which has actually turned out to be a positive one was that of winger Daniel James, who generated a profit for the Red Devils upon his departure to Leeds United in 2021.
It was a surprising move to begin with. The Wales forward joined the Red Devils in 2019 under the management of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for a fee of around £15m, and it looked as if the Norwegian was building for the future as the former Swansea City star was just 21 years old at the time.
Alas, the subsequent two seasons saw the Welshman fail to live up to expectations, registering only 18 goal contributions in 74 appearances. Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival in the summer of 2021, James was sold to Leeds for £25m – and it proved to be an excellent decision.
Last season, he averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.64/10 for his performances in the Premier League, scoring just four times across 34 appearances and taking 26.3 touches per game while succeeding with only 39% of his dribble attempts, clearly underperforming for the club as they just about fended off relegation.
His 2021/22 season ended with a whimper against Chelsea, when the winger was sent off following a “terrible challenge” – as dubbed by broadcaster Arlo White – on Mateo Kovacic and was given a 4.2 rating from Sofascore.
He joined Fulham on loan ahead of 2022/23, but his displays haven’t really improved, as he currently has a 6.69 Sofascore rating. The 25-year-old has started only five matches so far in the current Premier League campaign, scoring just once, and he is not having much of an impact for Marco Silva’s team.
Selling James in 2021 now appears to be a stroke of genius, especially considering his fall from grace over the previous 18 months; and given that United made a £10m profit on the Welshman, Solskjaer evidently played a blinder with that particular transfer decision.