On the back of three consecutive clean sheets, for a total of seven this season, and with some of the most favourable fixtures (WBA, wat, lei, WHM, bou, NOR) over the next six Gameweeks, managers should be looking to get a member of Lous van Gaal’s rearguard in their side. But with no clear-cut option, which player would suit your team best?

The Three Best Options

Between the sticks, David de Gea is the third most expensive keeper in the game at 5.5 and the fifth most selected with an ownership of 11.1%. Despite his lofty price, managers will likely be able to pick him and stick with him throughout the season with United’s ability to keep out any attack, as shown by their recent scoreless draw against rivals Manchester City.

The Spaniard has also picked up two save points in the last four Premier League matches, as well as a pair of bonus points, a sign that he can compete with the cheaper keepers in this area too.

But by selecting a 4.5 keeper along with a 4.0 keeper, you could save yourself 1.0.

At the heart of United’s defence sits Chris Smalling, the highest scoring defender this season, with seven clean sheets, an assist and a further seven bonus points.

So what’s the downside? With Sergio Aguero’s return imminent he could be a luxury few can afford. Although he does carry some threat, along with his one assist, Smalling has created another two chances in his 11 appearances.

Smalling has six yellows in the league in five seasons along with a single red so there is little chance of suspension, something to look out for if you’re looking to keep him all season and want security over the busy Christmas schedule.

Macros Rojo has recently returned from injury and looks to have have nailed down his spot as United’s left-back for the year following the horrific injury to Luke Shaw. The only real competition he has is Phil Jones if he loses form, which would mean Blind would slip into his position on the left. Jones was prefered to Blind against City but it’s likely that the Dutchman will keep his spot against the weaker sides in the coming weeks because of his ability on the ball.

In his four appearances this season, Rojo has one attempt in the box, which was blocked, and he has created two chances with his eight crosses, one of which led to an assist.

At 5.4 and selected by only 1.3% of managers, Rojo is currently the cheapest nailed-on option from this season’s best defence.

Conclusion

With the difference in price between the two defenders at over 1.0, it’s a tough choice between selecting a nailed-on player, a bonus point magnet or a 95% nailed-on centre-back converted to a left-back.

Smalling’s biggest appeal is his ability to pick up bonus points. The England international averages a score of 25.45 BPS (Bonus Points System used to determine who receives the bonus points each game) per game. Rojo averages 23.75 BPS over the last four games. Meanwhile, De Gea averages a score of 21.14 BPS with the system over seven games.

Smalling is clearly worth the extra outlay, but with Aguero returning he could be a luxury few can afford, which further cements Rojo’s appeal.