MAGPIES TAKING IT TO THE MAX

James reckons he can handle the rough stuff

DANIEL JAMES has warned the Premier League’s hatchet men they are wasting their time trying to kick him out of games.

The Manchester United winger has been targeted in his debut season in the Premier League following his £15million summer switch from Swansea.

He was subjected to more rough treatment on Sunday, his 22nd birthday, during United’s convincing 3-1 win over Brighton at Old Trafford.

Defenders Lewis Dunk and Dan Burn were both booked for poor challenges on James.

But the Wales star said he is used to such treatment from bully boys and has toughened up as a result. “Last season in the Championship, I had a lot of hits,” he said.

“If a defender hits you and you stay down, he might think he’s got the better of you, so to get up and keep going is important. I’ve always had it.

“If I can get forward and win free-kicks high up the pitch, then it’s good. It’s important to keep getting back up, keep playing and I enjoy it.

“Coming to United was always going to be tough and it was going to be different from playing in the Championship. At the start of the season, I maybe didn’t think I would play as much.

“Every game I’ve been learning and the gaffer has trusted me and I have really enjoyed it.” James believes United turned a corner with the impressive win over Albion which saw Solskjaer’s side rocket up to seventh in the Premier League.

After a poor start to the season, United have won five of their last six games in all competitions and James said the latest victory showed they are heading in the right

STEVE BRUCE has told Newcastle to cash in during December to set up an impressive season.

The Magpies’ summer buy Allan Saint-Maximin (right) has added some devil to the attack.

Now Bruce reckons they can fly if Saint-Maximin can fire regularly with Joelinton and Miguel Almiron.

Newcastle come back off the international break with matches direction. “The football we played was great,” he said.

“We are really enjoying our football at the minute. Maybe it’s taken a few weeks to mould, but we’ve all got that connection together and it’s important.”

James also hailed the return of striker Anthony Martial (below), following an eightweek injury lay-off, for United’s upturn, along with the continued form of fellow forward Marcus Rashford.

“Since Anthony’s come back we’ve had a focal point,” said James. “He’s a great link-up player. He can come short or go in behind. Since he’s come back he’s got goals and he’s got assists and he’s been great for us.

“It was important to get three points going into the international break and move up the table. When we return we have got tough opposition in Sheffield United.” against Aston Villa and Manchester City. They then face games against Sheffield United, Southampton, Burnley, Crystal Palace, Manchester United and Everton next month.

Bruce said: “When you look at December, we have six games in the month and that month will probably define the season.

“We’ve got to a platform of 15 points and that’s not a bad return but we need to be more clinical.”