Scout Notes – Gameweek 4 – Sunday

Angel di Maria steers United to their first win of the season with a goal and assist against QPR. Wayne Rooney and Ander Herrera mirror the Argentine’s returns, while Juan Mata is also on the scoresheet in an emphatic 4-0 demolition.

Di Maria Dazzles on Home Bow
Handed a berth on the left of a midfield diamond, the Argentine leapt to Fantasy managers’ attention with a pivotal role in yesterday’s rout. After somewhat fortuitously opening the scoring with a free-kick, Di Maria teed up Juan Mata for the hosts’ fourth and turned in a performance that is set to get the bandwagon rolling ahead of next week’s trip to Leicester. Indeed, with home matches against West Ham and Everton allied with a trip to West Brom in the next four, some may even be contemplating a shift to 3-5-2 in order to accommodate the Argentine in their starting line-ups.

Rooney Back in the Points
While Robin van Persie blanked once again, the England star replicated Di Maria with a goal and assist against the R’s. Handed a role alongside the Dutchman, Rooney certainly staked a claim to continue in the advanced role – certainly, on current form, there’d be no real surprise if Van Persie dropped out to accommodate Radamel Falcao.

Nonetheless, Van Gaal’s decision to sub off Juan Mata, despite the Spaniard netting for the second time this term, resulted in a change of position for Rooney, who tucked in behind the front two. There’s no doubt such a scenario would prove detrimental to both Rooney and Mata, and bearing in mind the Colombian only failed to start due to jet lag, there are still many question marks surrounding United’s attack right now.

Herrera Off the Mark
Judging by yesterday’s display, the Spaniard may yet prove to be a legitimate Fantasy option for the season ahead. Herrera had been written off as a source of points due to a deep-lying role but the arrival of Daley Blind allowed him to shift to the right of the midfield diamond against the R’s and serve up a goal and assist. At just 7.3 in FPL, Herrera certainly looks worth monitoring if he can continue in the same role.

Van Gaal Moves to Four at the Back
The United boss admitted pre-match his decision to opt for a four-man defence was mainly down to injuries. With the likes of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling sidelined and Luke Shaw fit enough only for the bench, Van Gaal was forced to field Tyler Blackett at centre-half, with Marcos Rojo covering on the left. While a second consecutive clean sheet is promising, it’s worth bearing in mind United have played against promoted opposition in those last couple of matches – with uncertainty still surrounding their first-choice personnel at the back, though, many may opt against investing in the Red Devils’ defence for now.