The Stock Check – Gameweek 2 – Friday

Typically, Zlatan Ibrahimovic ensures that he crashes the Paul Pogba party, but the impact of the Frenchman’s energy at Old Trafford was there for all to see. Here’s the Stock Check after Friday’s night’s Gameweek 2 opener.

On the Rise

Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Friday’s Gameweek opener has made it almost impossible to ignore him.

While his performances have hardly been vintage, Ibrahimovic’s ability to score goals has been in evidence from the get-go and his impact devastating.

Paul Pogba’s arrival as the legs and possession winner in midfield has almost enabled the Swede to settle in the role he does best – now he can almost afford to drift in and out of the game, cropping up to provide moments of quality in the box where it matters.

Already the most transferred in tonight, it’s Hull City up next and the international break gap – multiple price rises look assured.

Luke Shaw
Just as Antonio Valencia looked to have the advantage, Shaw responded with a barnstorming display down the left. The assist for United’s penalty compounded an impressive display.
Again Pogba could be the influence here. Lining up on the left side of the double pivot, his ability to dominate possession could now see the power swing to the left side and promote Shaw as the choice full-back.

However, Valencia was just three behind Shaw in the Bonus Point System, despite his assist. We will continue to monitor but for now, Valencia remains our choice.

Paul Pogba
It was obvious that Pogba’s energy lifted United and brought the best out of those around him – it’s perhaps less obvious how the Frenchman will rate as a Fantasy asset.

He had more touches than any other player, he had more attempts on goal than any other United player but we need more time to see if that translates to returns to justify the 8.5 outlay.

In Decline

Wayne Rooney
Whilst Rooney chipped in with the assist for Ibrahimovic’s opener, when the Swede took the ball to stroke home United’s second, the skipper’s fate was sealed. The 2.5 price difference was tempting but Ibrahimovic has already made his mark, leaving Rooney playing second fiddle now and, most likely, throughout the season.

Notably, it’s also been Rooney, not the Swede who has been withdrawn in both league outings late on.