United complete the job thanks to a devastating hat-trick from Robin Van Persie as Villa are dismissed in front of jubilant Old Trafford faithful. Here’s the Stock Check on Monday’s action…
On the Up
Robin Van Persie
The Dutchman chose the perfect occasion to emphatically underline his value, both to United and to his Fantasy owners, with a superbly taken hat-trick. On the day that saw Luis Suarez likely banned for the remainder of the season, Van Persie’s pursuit of the Golden Boot now looks complete having moved to 24 for the season with tonight’s goals. With so many Fantasy managers handing Van Persie the armband, tonight’s events will have opened up a chasm between the “have” and “have-nots”, impacting on many a mini-league scenario with just four Gameweeks remaining. The concern now is whether Van Persie will earn a rest or continue to find profit over the remaining matches.
Phil Jones
The former Blackburn man was, once again, outstanding. Jones has now started the last four league outings and looks firmly in favour, whether that be at centre-back, or alongside Michael Carrick in central midfield. With four games remaining and a 5.6 price tag, Jones would normally find plenty of interest, were it not for double Gameweek distractions.
Shinji Kagawa
Another player who has come into bloom in recent weeks. Tonight was Kagawa’s third consecutive start, his fourth in the last five. The Japanese international looks set to go on enjoying the tail end of the season with Fantasy managers no doubt making note of his impact with next term in mind.
Going Down
Wayne Rooney
It’s rather remiss to knock Rooney on a night of celebration but there’s little doubt that those holding the striker as an alternative to Van Persie paid the ultimate price this evening. While Rooney kept pace with the Dutchman for periods of the season and even looked a stronger option at times, the run-in has seen Van Persie put the debate to bed with five goals in three matches.
