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Man Utd's Daniel James Left On Fantasy Football Subs Bench By His Own Brother

Man Utd's Daniel James Left On Fantasy Football Subs Bench By His Own Brother

You've got some explaining to do, Alex.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

Manchester United new boy Daniel James scored his first goal for the club on Sunday afternoon, leaving a minority of Fantasy Football users in raptures.

According to the official Premier League app, only 2.7% of players gave the 21-year-old a chance in their Fantasy starting XI ahead of the club's opener against Chelsea.

But to the delight of those who selected him, James scored just minutes after coming on as a second half substitute,

Image: PA
Image: PA

He pointed to the heavens to celebrate his debut finish, a fitting tribute to his father Kevin, who sadly passed away just days before he joined United in May.

It was a moment his brother Alex James, who sat in the stands against Chelsea, will never forget.

"It felt incredible to see him score on his debut." Alex told SPORTbible. "Football means so much to him, he is so passionate about what he does and it makes me feel so happy now his hard work and sacrifices have come to fruition.

"Also knowing our Dad would have been watching somewhere with a smile on his face, made it even more special."

Image: PA
Image: PA

Shortly after the final whistle, the emotional winger spoke about his family, who watched him score on his Premier League debut at Old Trafford. He also dedicated the finish to his father.

"It would have been amazing for him to be here today, but he's not, and I dedicate that goal to him." the United winger said in a post-match interview.

"I scored the winning penalty in Cardiff last week which was amazing, to be in Wales as well.

"To score on my debut here, you couldn't write it."

Image: PA
Image: PA

One of the family members who sat in the crowd on Sunday was brother Alex, who posted on Twitter shortly after the game to reveal a Fantasy Football blunder.

So what were the motives behind his decision?

Alex was convinced his younger sibling wouldn't find the net after watching "the crowd save the ball more times than the opposition goalkeeper" in pre-season.

"Based on my experience, Premier League managers like to bring new players in gradually at the start of the season," Alex told SPORTbible.

"Not all players can handle the pressure right off the bat, especially when it's against top opposition, at home, in front on 70,000+ people.

"I thought he wouldn't start and therefore wouldn't be worth having him in my starting 11.

"Also goals are important for Fantasy Football and from watching his exploits in pre season, the crowd have had to save the ball more times than the opposing keepers."

Image: Fantasy Premier League
Image: Fantasy Premier League

It sounds like Daniel will forgive his brother. Alex spoke about how much his move to Old Trafford means so much not only to him, but his family.

"Me and Daniel are very close, we speak on a daily basis. Mainly about football, but the occasional conversation about his dog tearing apart my shoes (again)."

"His transfer to United meant so much to me and my family. I have grown up in the golden generation of United during Sir Alex Ferguson's reign, so for your brother to play for them is surreal.

"We have seen him work so hard and sacrifice so much over the years to achieve what he has, and to get to go to a club of United's stature means so much to us, but this is only the beginning."

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Topics: Daniel James, Football News, Football, Manchester United, Premier League, Fantasy Football