For the second consecutive Gameweek, Man United edged their way to three points in the most unspectacular style, easily keeping hosts Aston Villa at bay to claim a 1-0 win. Adnan Januzaj was the unlikely hero, bought into the side by Louis van Gaal in the “number ten” role, he took his opportunity with a crafty first-half strike. Meanwhile, our Captain Poll leader Wayne Rooney disappointed his horde of owners with a listless display, as the United back four claimed further returns. Here’s the notes on Friday’s encounter…
Januzaj Stakes a Claim
With rumours of a loan move to Sunderland gathering pace, Van Gaal handed the young Belgian a central attacking role behind Rooney for the Villa Park visit. Januzaj’s first-half strike certainly strengthened his claim for a place in the first XI, with his introduction allowing Memphis Depay to take up the left flank berth he occupied for PSV last season.
At just 5.5 in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, Januzaj would clearly be a steal if he can nail down a regular role, though his withdrawal just before the hour mark perhaps highlights Van Gaal’s reluctance to extend his pitch time – the young Belgian started only seven times for the Red Devils in 2014/15. Furthermore, the club’s interest in Barcelona’s Pedro raises further question marks over Januzaj’s place in the overall pecking order.
Lacklustre Rooney Fails to Spark
They may be sitting pretty at the top of the table but, from a Fantasy perspective, it’s fair to say the Old Trafford outfit have failed to impress in the final third.
Van Gaal’s men managed a mere two shots on target last night and, bearing in mind they scored with their only attempt on target at home to Spurs, the lack of spark is a major concern for high-ownership assets such as Wayne Rooney (41%) and Depay (23%). Juan Mata, meanwhile, remains an under-the-radar option – owned by just 7% of Fantasy managers, he grabbed the assist and maximum bonus for a nine-point haul.
Certainly, last night’s decision to shift Depay to the left will give Van Gaal food for thought. Whilst the summer signing fired an eye-catching seven attempts, Rooney failed to produce a single shot over the 90 minutes.
Given that City’s schedule takes a significant turn for the better in Gameweek 4, Rooney and Depay may well be set for significant sales once next week’s home clash with Newcastle is out of the way, as we look to find space for the likes of Sergio Aguero and David Silva in our 15-man squads. Rooney is already suffering heavy sales, soaring to the summit of the FPL “transfers out” rankings overnight.
Darmian and the Defence Hold Firm
Whilst their forwards toil, the United defence chalked up a second straight clean sheet after keeping Tim Sherwood’s side at bay. The visitors restricted Villa to a single shot on target, with Sergio Romero once again benefitting from David de Gea’s absence to offer the value route into their backline at just 5.0. With uncertainty over the Spaniard’s future, though, Matteo Darmian looks the most profitable pick here; the summer signing – who’s risen to 5.6 – has now picked up a couple of bonus points in each of the first two Gameweeks. Clashes against Swansea, Liverpool, Southampton and Arsenal in the five fixtures directly after the Newcastle match suggests his short-term prospects are perhaps less enticing, though. Quite frankly, United’s rearguard has impressed but has yet to face an opponent that’s provided a sustained and direct threat on goal.
