Transfer flops: Francis Jeffers

A teen prodigy at Everton, and another in a long line to have fallen by the wayside. A teen debutant at Old Trafford in 1997, it seemed like Francis Jeffers was going to take the Premier League by storm but what do we know?

After averaging around one goal every three games at Goodison Park, an infamous row with then manager Walter Smith over a pay rise spelt the end of his time on Merseyside. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger took a punt on the 'fox in the box', but he couldn't live up to the tag.

At around £8m he was one of Arsenal's most expensive signings, but poor performances and injury limited his playing time. Eventually leading to his Highbury exit. A loan at Everton didn't provide a single goal, and he was then quickly sold to Charlton in 2004. Despite a two year stay Jeffers couldn't even muster half a dozen goals, and since that move to The Valley he plied his trade at seven clubs in as many years

His travels have seen him move up and down England, before an unsuccessful stint at Australia side Newcastle United Jets. However he is now back in Britain and the Scottish Premier League, with Motherwell now giving the fallen idol a home.

Since leaving Arsenal in 2001 Jeffers hasn't even managed over 20 goals. That illustrates the fabulous fall from grace which the Liverpool born front man has endured.

Fergie's bizarre week so far

Following the weekends crazy 3-3 draw at Everton, with two goals conceeded in injury time, Manchester United headed into the Champions League as over whelming favourites for their game at home to Rangers.

However a second debatable team selection in a week left the Red Devils with their second draw in four days.

The decision to keep Wayne Rooney out of the cauldron of hate at Goodison Park seemed the correct one at 3-1 up, but with the Toffees fighting back the debate was always going to be raised.

So we headed into the first round of the Champions League proper, with United Fans quite rightfully optimistic about their sides chances against a Rangers side that in all honesty doesn't quite match up.

While we can praise the defensive performance of the Scottish side, you have to point to Sir Alex's team selection as the main reason as to why the English side didn't come out huge victors.

A number of first teamers were left out, as confidence seemed to be brimming within the United squad.

Either confidence or arrogance.

As the game grew on it was clear United didn't have the creativity to open up Rangers, and the finger will no doubt to the manager and the team he selected.

Nani, who had one of his better displays on Saturday, and Dimitar Berbatov were both left out as they seem to show signs of hitting form.

While there are still five games left in the group stage and they remain favourites to top the group, they can't allow future games to hugely dictate squad selection like last night.

Many sides have tried it in the past and it simply doesn't work, just looked at Liverpool under Rafael Benitez.

Although the game against the Anfield side on Sunday in huge, and now people are rested, surely if they had played against Rangers and won the confidence gained would be the greatest motivator.

If United don't win on Sunday the accusatory finger will once again linger over Old Trafford.