Manchester United were caught a little short after labouring to a 0-0 draw against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League.

But on an evening when United's attack went missing after failing to have a single shot on target, the signs of a long night were on display even before kick-off.

As the players walked out onto the pitch before the game it was easy to miss Daniel James because the 5 ft 6in winger was put in the shadow by the mascot he was awarded.

Daniel James did not look impressed by the mascot he was allocated for the clash with Alkmaar

James was left having to look past his young mascot just to be visible to TV cameras

When you’re smaller than the mascot. Someone is definitely trolling Daniel James 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/zVhqvAWhRO — Bands FC (@_Bands_FC) October 3, 2019

Fans could not help but joke about the mis-match on Twitter, with one supporter claiming James had already been 'marked out the game.'

Another pointed to awkwardness of the young mascot being taller than James, while many claimed that the Wales forward looked far from please with the allocation of the mascots.

The strange pairing could lead to pointing the finger of blame towards Alkmaar in the form of incredibly early gamesmanship.

Marked out of the game by the mascot! — Seán Finn (@Seanfinn21) October 3, 2019

Awkward moment for Daniel James when the mascot is taller than the player... — Tom (@T_Owen1875) October 3, 2019

He’s not happy is he? 😂 — Chris Shingler (@chrisshingler1) October 3, 2019

But it appears that much of the organising for mascots and their allocation is done on UEFA's behalf by sponsors who help provide the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for kids.

It was not just James finding it a tall order at the Cars Jeans Stadium though with United barely registering an attack as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was without some of his key players for their second group game.

As concerning as the performance was from the Red Devils they are still in a healthy position to qualify from the group with four points from six to open their European campaign.