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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Alex Milne

Gary Neville makes bold Daniel James claim - but it's worrying for Man Utd

Ex-Manchester United defender Gary Neville has praised new signing Daniel James for his leadership abilities, but has criticised his teammates for not taking responsibility in the debate over who took a penalty in the draw against Wolves .

With the game level at 1-1 Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford appeared to disagree over who would take a spot-kick, with Pogba eventually taking it and missing following a good save by Wolves goalkeeper Rui Patricio.

Talking on Sky Sports after the game, Neville said Rashford should have had the opportunity after he successfully converted a penalty against Chelsea last weekend, and believes one of his teammates should have stepped up and showed better leadership.

"My biggest concern is that Daniel James, the youngest, most naive and newest United player seems like the biggest leader," said Neville.

Daniel James has impressed Gary Neville since his arrival (REUTERS)

"United are a young team, 24 and a half is the average age and basically there isn't a player out on that pitch who has said 'Paul, there you go.'

"Managers do allow the dressing room to take responsibility but even if the players decide amongst themselves surely the player who scored last week has to take it this week.

"It isn't like spin the bottle. I don't get it."

But Neville believes United need more leaders (REUTERS)

The miss is Pogba's fourth since the start of last season, with Rashford having never missed in the six he has taken in all competitions in his senior career.

Despite the disappointment over not winning the game Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will likely still feel relatively satisfied with a point having lost at Molineux twice last season, in the FA Cup and Premier League.

Anthony Martial gave United the lead in the first-half before a wonder-goal by Ruben Neves drew the home side level.

United next host Crystal Palace on Saturday while Wolves travel to Italy for a Europa League play-off tie against Torino on Thursday.

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