There seems to be a distinct lack of exciting attacking football at Old Trafford this year – much to the dismay of the Stretford end. Desperate cries of ‘attack, attack, attack’ have become an all too frequent sight as fans voice their discontent. A quick look at the stats highlights how United have disappointed in attack.

United have managed a mere 110 attempts over 11 Premier League games, only one shot above the worst in the league. Their rivals, Arsenal and Manchester City, have managed nearly double that tally with 211 and 208 shots respectively. In Gameweek 11 just over 2,000 United fans at Selhurst Park witnessed the Reds draw 0-0 for the third consecutive game – the first time that had happened in 10 years. This lack of attacking flair has left fans tearing their hair out. Despite a good start on Tuesday, the fans showed a lack of patience as it took only 15 minutes for some to urge the team forward.

United fans crave the excitement that they have seen frequently under Sir Alex Ferguson, they long for flying wingers, swashbuckling forwards, counter attacks, forward passes, courageous comebacks and last-gasp winners. But like it or not this has been replaced with Louis Van Gaal’s structured, possession-based order. There are upsides to this style of play though – clean sheets for our Fantasy football teams.

Is a premium keeper reasonable?

Keeper David De Gea offers United a safe pair of hands and we should consider him as a Fantasy option. He seems to make very import saves on a regular basis. Since returning to the starting XI, De Gea has made some crucial saves for United, to name a few examples: the save away at Southampton from the bullet header of Jose Fonte and tipping a rasping Yannick Bolasie drive onto the bar. He gives United quality and comfort between the sticks. This isn’t open to debate but what is perhaps questionable are his Fantasy prospects.

Making seven appearances so far this season, due to his widely reported transfer farce, De Gea has averaged a very respectable five points per game. However, De Gea’s underlying stats underwhelm. He has only managed 23 saves all season – half of Stoke stopper Jack Butland’s impressive tally of 46. De Gea has only managed two bonus points so far this season, with West Brom’s Boaz Myhill and Watford’s Heurelho Gomes sitting top with nine each. It is a tradition in Fantasy Premier League tactics that the budget goalkeepers of lesser teams are the way to go. This is because lesser sides face more shots and therefore keepers can pick up bonus with greater ease. Also, teams lower in the table have fewer attacking players who will hog the bonus.

On the face of it, the last Gameweek seemed to be a major plus for the case of owning a budget goalkeeper. Jack Butland was in spectacular form, managing an 11-point haul away at Newcastle with six saves. However, it is also worth noting that De Gea managed a strong nine points and one fewer save than Butland, narrowly missing out on another save point. This highlights how, should United keep a clean sheet away from home against an attacking side (for example Leicester), De Gea should be in for some save points and bonus should the forwards fail to fire. Unlike cheaper options Myhill and Butland, De Gea has a greater security of clean sheets over the coming weeks.

Despite the doubts as to whether or not 5.5 is worth splashing out on for a player with no attacking potential, De Gea is still a very good option and may even offer good value due to his 100% guaranteed game time. The only other member of the backline we can say who has this pitch time security of Chris Smalling, at 6.5.

Doubling up?

When casting a view over United’s backline, only two spots seem to be reasonably nailed down: left-back and center-back. Since returning after the international break, Marcos Rojo has capitalised on his opportunity and performed reasonably well in the left-back spot. He provided an assist at Goodison Park and was awarded all three bonus at Selhurst Park. Rojo offers good attacking threat from open play and set plays. In the last game United attacked down his side and looked for him to provide width as 60% of their attacks were channelled down the left. Overall he seems to offer a lot of potential for further returns and at a good price of 5.4 (soon to be 5.5).

At centre-back, Chris Smalling has been somewhat rejuvenated in the last six months. He has been a constant this season and has taken a few steps forward in his career. Despite not managing to find the net in the league, he offers good attacking threat from set pieces as he looks to build on last season’s tally of four goals. The only issue with Smalling is that price tag of 6.5. But with the absence of Sergio Aguero, people shouldn’t be short on cash at this stage of the season, that is until the Manchester City man returns. If you are looking for a premium defender and you’re not short on cash though he could be a sound pick.

Beyond these two options, I really wouldn’t recommend any other member of the United back four. Antonio Valencia and Matteo Darmian seem to be in competition for the right-back slot. Phil Jones may have the edge over Danny Blind but he has the injury record of a 70 year-old. At any moment Jones could drop with an injury. As Granville highlighted on a recent Scoutcast you just shouldn’t touch him.

Whilst United’s attacking options seem somewhat mediocre at this point, their defensive assets certainly have a strong appeal. Those who are looking to freshen up their defence should have a serious look at the Old Trafford defence; not owning at least one United defender over the next six could cost points. I definitely think it is worth considering doubling up on United’s defence as they seem to guarantee clean sheets over the next six.

Despite all of the benefits of doubling up on United’s defence, I would be somewhat hesitant before taking the plunge. This is due to the number of enticing prospects that are on offer elsewhere.  I feel that that owning Rojo and Smalling may take up too much budget and space in our five-man defences. However, if you’re looking for a more maverick move, doubling up on United’s defence seems to have high potential for reward. With Rojo and De Gea sitting at a mere 1.8% and 11.3% ownership respectively, it is a viable option.