Scout Notes

Man United assets disappoint ahead of Cardiff finale

Huddersfield 1-1 Manchester United

Goals: Isaac Mbenza (£5.9m) | Scott McTominay (£4.2m)

Assists: Jonas Lössl (£4.4m)

Bonus: Lössl x3, McTominay x2, Ashley Young x1 (£5.7m)

On Sunday afternoon, Manchester United players went some way to arguing the case that form trumps fixture in Fantasy Premier League. Their performance in arguably the easiest meeting they have had under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, on paper anyway, was truly uninspiring and ended in an embarrassing 1-1 draw. The result also locked them out of a top-four finish for good.

Furthermore, Sunday afternoon’s display left those who had signed Manchester United assets for the final two Gameweeks of the season cursing their luck. Paul Pogba (£8.5m) and Luke Shaw (£5.1m) were among the top five most-signed for Gameweek 37 but combined for just four points.

Of the two, the French midfielder came closest to living up to his billing with his four shots on goal. Only Marcus Rashford (£7.3m) had more than that at Huddersfield, and Pogba was unfortunate not to score when his second-half header hit the bar. With that said, he was hardly any better than his recent mediocre form and has now blanked in eight of his last nine Premier League matches.

Likewise, Rashford remains in a poor run of form and was unable to end that even against Huddersfield. The forward is now without a goal since March and never really looked like scoring in West Yorkshire. There was plenty of characteristic running from Rashford but that was as much as he was able to bring to the team, even after overcoming a yellow flag to start the match in a central striker’s role.

Deployed alongside Rashford in the front pairing of a 4-3-1-2 formation was Alexis Sánchez (£10.0m) who got his first start in just over two months. He had been considered as an extreme differential for the last two Gameweeks of the season with Romelu Lukaku (£10.8m) out injured but it was more of the same for the Chilean international. Any suggestions that facing Huddersfield would bring him back to his best now look naive in hindsight as Sánchez still looks completely burned out and in dire need of a new beginning, probably outside of the Premier League. He was also taken off with an ankle knock early-on in the second half.

“[It was an] ankle injury, if he twisted his ankle or if it was stood upon I don’t know.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Ultimately, Shaw’s undoing as a Fantasy asset came in the second half when Huddersfield were able to score completely against the run of play. Manchester United switched off in the breakdown of one of their own corners, allowing Jonas Lössl (£4.4m) to pick out Isaac Mbenza (£5.9m) with his clearance. Shaw was the one at fault for the winger’s run through on goal as he missed the opportunity to clear the ball.

“We’ve done that a few times this year. There are so many things we will improve on and can improve on. You should never concede goals from your own corners, we did it against Everton, we did it against Wolves and we’ve done it again today. We need to make sure we don’t make those individual errors.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

“We became sloppy and we didn’t perform to our level, that’s true, and we gave them chances, and the goal we gave them, more or less, we’ve conceded too many times now when we’ve had a corner kick ourselves and that is something we have to improve on that next year.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Despite creating more big chances than any other defender in the four matches prior to Gameweek 37, Shaw was unable to make up for his defensive shortcomings with any attacking returns. The left-back did not do enough to contribute to Manchester United’s attacks and offered little in the way of an end product. That was of huge disappointment especially considering Huddersfield’s weakness down his flank in the previous six Gameweeks, no side allowing more chances there than the Terriers.

A less than convincing return for Phil Jones (£5.1m) inspired even less confidence in Manchester United’s clean sheet potential for the visit of Cardiff. He almost gifted Huddersfield an equaliser in the first half with a poor pass out from the back and even managed to miss a chance to make it 2-1 late on too.

The disappointment of those key assets does not bode well for Gameweek 38, even if it is Cardiff coming to Old Trafford. Given Huddersfield’s form since their relegation from the Premier League was confirmed, many had expected a better performance from Manchester United. Any confidence that they will up their game against the Bluebirds on Sunday has taken a serious knock from their Gameweek 37 exploits.

Furthermore, the fact that the Red Devils can now no longer qualify for Champions League football, there will be nothing to play for next weekend. So it is now possible that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer takes the opportunity of the final match of the season to rotate some of the big names out and give some youngsters a chance – also bad news for Fantasy managers.

“Well it’s not what we want, let’s see what happens next week, let’s see what happens with Arsenal and the final with City. But that’s the reality, the kids will get chances, definitely, to play games, that’s for sure.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Perhaps the only silver lining for Manchester United and Fantasy managers was the performance of budget midfield Scott McTominay (£4.2m). He was perhaps the only one of Solskjaer’s outfield players who played well and also added his second goal in the last three Gameweeks. Not surprisingly, no Manchester United player has more goals or shots in the box than him in that time.

Huddersfield Town XI (4-3-3): Lössl; Löwe, Kongolo, Schindler, Durm (T Smith 45′); Hogg, J Bacuna, Mooy; Pritchard, Grant, Mbenza (Diakhaby 90+1′).

Manchester United XI (4-3-1-2): De Gea; Shaw, Jones, Lindelöf (Dalot 83′), Young; Pogba, Matić (Herrera 53′), McTominay; Mata; A Sánchez (Chong 54′), Rashford.

657 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Ryan
    TAA, Robertson, Shaw, Bednarek
    Eriksen, Salah, Sterling (VC)
    Aguero (C), Wilson, Zaha

    Bench: Boruc, McTominay, Brooks, Duffy

    GTG?

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah decent

  2. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    As a SUFC fan I've never done FPL with my team in the prem... Does it affect any decisions or thoughts at all? Contemplating whether it's worth doing or not

    1. Miniboss
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      I’m already certain I’ll have Pukki in my gw1 team. And I’m not even Norwich fan, just from the same country.

    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      To quote you, I am getting in three Sheff Utd players next season.

      Its clearly affecting you.

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Hahaha, would be rude not have atleast 1 or 2. And wouldn't be worse choices

        1. Tsparkes10
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Wouldn't be the worst choice*

          1. MFC86
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            Every year we’re in the prem I have at least 2 Boro players in my team because “this is our year!”
            Then regret it, don’t do it

      2. Gnu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        😆

    3. ShaunGoater123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      As a supporter of a league one side I’ve never really had to think about it but I think it’s bound to make you lean slightly more towards players from your own club.

      Flip side of that is you might have a better understanding of any potential gems from Sheffield united or the other promoted clubs!

      Congrats on your promotion, shame Ryan Leonard didn’t work out for you guys

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Very true, guess positives and negatives :). Yhh, never got much playing time tbh, take it you're a Southend fan? Congrats on staying up!

    4. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      It makes me hate my team even more.

    5. ceejay106
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah it does have an impact. I’ve had three Wolves most of the season. Luckily Jiménez and Doherty have been great season keepers, and I’ve had Jota for his great run. Good luck next season!

  3. Woy_is_back
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Son, Jimenez, Ozil -> Sterling, Redmond, Zaha

    For a -4 hit

    Yay or nay?

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Yay

    2. Lukakwho
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      why do you have ozil

  4. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    any hope for me in my ML? still have sterling (c), kun and laporte while 2 people above me only have Kun... Currently 58pts behind leader and 20 pts behind 2nd...

    1 FT... what should i do, take a hit to get 2 players in?

    Ryan Foster
    Doherty Laporte Robbo Duffy Bednarek
    Mane Sterling Hazard Redmond Masuaku
    Kun Jim Grey

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      No hope of winning.
      2nd is possible based on tonight. If you cut it to under 10 going into 38 you can get him

      1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        And dont take a hit

        1. tibollom
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          thanks man.. so maybe something like Jim to Arnie? They both have him in their teams

          1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            They both have arnie?

            1. tibollom
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 10 months ago

              currently both their attacks are the same: Kun, Jim and Laca

              1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 10 months ago

                Ok. Swap jimi or gray out and play 442 with your Southampton assets
                I'd go jimi to Wilson first choice
                Palace Bournemouth could be a goal fest

                1. tibollom
                  • 7 Years
                  4 years, 10 months ago

                  good shout.. only issue is that to play 4 in defence means one of Duffy (MCI) or Doherty (LIV)

                  1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 10 months ago

                    343 then

                    I wouldnt be devestated at playing Doh myself

                2. tibollom
                  • 7 Years
                  4 years, 10 months ago

                  cant afford jimi to wilson - 0.2 short 🙁

                  1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 10 months ago

                    Damn. Zaha ?

                    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
                      • 7 Years
                      4 years, 10 months ago

                      Or rondon

                      1. tibollom
                        • 7 Years
                        4 years, 10 months ago

                        yea zaha also short.. maybe rondon then.. thanks mate

    2. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Sterling brace tonight and you've got a sniff

      1. tibollom
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        yea praying for at least a brace from sterling and CS for Laporte

  5. yakirh
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Salah out tomorrow, concussion

    1. drughi
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      salah>sterling easy then

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Doesn't mean he's out on Sunday

        1. No Professionals
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          In fact he's said he will be fit to face wolves

  6. Miniboss
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    What do you think the fpl prices will be for these guys next season?

    TAA
    Jota
    KdB
    Pukki

    1. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      6
      7
      10
      6.5

    2. Woy_is_back
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      6,5
      7
      9,5
      6

    3. grumpyman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      6, 6.5, 8.5, Whodat?

      1. Miniboss
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Pukki: 29 goals, 9 assists, player of the year in championship

    4. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      6
      7.5 striker
      9.5
      6.5

      1. Boberella
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        This

    5. yakirh
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      6.5
      7.5
      9.5
      Who?

    6. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Kinda devalues your picks if 4th answer is who? 😉

    7. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Score 29 goals in the championship and people still haven't heard of you

      1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Even Colin Quaner can score in the championship

        1. No Professionals
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Not really my point. Point is if you follow football surely you've heard of pukki.

          1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            Depends what football you follow

        2. Gnu
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          29 goals?
          Numpty post. 🙂

          1. Ask Yourself
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            Don’t say that he’s yer da

    8. grumpyman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      I know he's the highest Championship point scorer, but I couldn't tell you what team he plays for. I am sorry to say I pay absolutely no attention to the Championship. Every spare brain cell is spent processing FPL.

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        He’ll end up in your starting team trust me

        1. grumpyman
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Nah, I'll wait and wildcard him in GW4 if he's banging. Sessegnon was similarly hyped at the start of last season.

          1. Ask Yourself
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            Sessegnon hadn’t already gained experience in the bundesliga as a 1st team striker for Schalke. He is the real deal I promise

            1. grumpyman
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 10 months ago

              OK thanks. Will be on my radar now for sure.

      2. Miniboss
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        no worries, seems a good punt for the beginning of next season depending on Norwich fixtures.

    9. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      6.5
      7.6
      10
      6.5

  7. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Would you play Kiko and Deulofeu and do Jimenez to Zaha ??

    Lloris
    TAA/Laporte/XXX
    Sterling/Hazard/Mane/XXX
    Kun/Rash/XXX

    Gunn/Boly/Kiko/Duffy/Jota/Deulofeu/Jim

  8. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Was 5 infront of ML rival and now 26 behind. Have Kun C vs his Vardy. My 2FT vs his 1. Team linked and his can be found. Going to be v difficult. Hopefully a big Aguero haul today

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Cheers for the update, i had been wondering

    2. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Hopefully you'll be almost even going into final week, gonna be very nervy.

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        I'll take a 15 point one. Can just it being 3-2 City tonight but Sterling hatty and Vardy brace

        1. The Ejiptian King
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Don't say that, I need a Kun haul as well!

  9. Roysgotnoboys
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Son & Jiminez > Moura & Zaha for free? Or downgrade Jiminez to afford Hazard?

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Must be better options than moura.

      1. Roysgotnoboys
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Hazard and Long?

        1. No Professionals
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Prefer that

  10. MGD
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    LLoris
    Laporte - TAA - Doherty
    Sterling - Mane - Eriksen - Son
    Aguero - Jimmy - DLC

    Ryan - JWP - Bednarek - Duffy

    2 FT 0.5 ITB.

    Need to get rid of Son and Jimmy I think.

    A) Son + Jimmy -> 11.0 + Long
    B) Son + Doherty -> Redmond + Robertson
    C) Son + Jimmy -> Redmond + Laca/Auba
    D) Other

    Maybe even Sturridge if Firm and Salah out?

    Thanks!

  11. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Best Jiménez replacement lads????
    A- Zaha
    B- Wilson
    C- Rashford
    D- Someone else?? If so, who??

    1. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Not C.

    2. grumpyman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      I'm seriously considering Arnie.

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Oooh yeah completely forgot about him good call mate!!!

  12. Daghe Munegu
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Chances of Salah playing last gw ?

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Klopp has said he will be fit according to the BBC

      1. Lazaretti
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        And here is the link to BBC site

        https://www.bbc.com/sport/live/football/48174067

  13. Supersonic Marv'
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Looks like Salah is out for Tuesday with concussion. Makes him a big doubt for the weekend too I suppose.

    1. Supersonic Marv'
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      This is according to sky sports by the way.

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        BBC are reporting that he's fit for sat

        1. Supersonic Marv'
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Really? Didn't see this.

        2. Supersonic Marv'
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Where are you seeing this? Do you have a link?

          1. Pat Bonner
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            Paul Joyce on Twitter

            Klopp on Salah: “It is concussion and that means he is not allowed to play. He feels ok, but it is not enough for a medical point of view.
            “He can play at the weekend.”

            1. Supersonic Marv'
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 10 months ago

              Cheers.

      2. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        FA guidelines say that a player should have complete rest for 14 days and not return to playing until 19th day at the earliest.

        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Can't see them following this though

          1. Supersonic Marv'
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            There really needs to be rules not guidelines if concussion is to be taken seriously.

        2. tisza
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          It's not a Klopp decision. Still down to the doctors.

          1. No Professionals
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            Think there is a good chance he's spoken to them

  14. Miniboss
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Hi fellas

    Not a clue who to transfer in for Son.
    1ft, 0.0itb

    What would u suggest?

    Ederson
    Robbo TAA Doherty Valery
    Mane Sterling(c) Son Eriksen
    Kun Jimenez

    Ryan Llorente Doherty Hojberg

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      I am getting Fraser
      Or possibly Tielemanns

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Risk Pogba probably...

      1. Miniboss
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Was thinking about it until yesterday. What a terrible display, although he did hit the bar twice.

    3. kime67
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      redmond

  15. kime67
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Salah confirmed fit for sunday.

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      No he isn't

    2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      He cant be confirmed fit for a few days yet

  16. Viper
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Salah fit for the weekend

    https://twitter.com/BenDinnery/status/1125357423814950912?s=19

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      No way he misses their biggest game in 25years

    2. tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      with the caution that he will still have to undergo further tests before being given final all clear.
      I'd wait for the final presser before doing anything with Salah

  17. Plymouth
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Having a stinker of a GW with 14pts, rank dropped from 9K to 15K. ML lead of 30pts vanished.

    Now the status against the rival is the following:

    A) Ederson+6pts
    B) Aguero+Sterling

    Who do you fancy?

    1. grumpyman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      B for days.

  18. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Leicester to get a result tonight? Or wishful thinking?

    1. DR0GBA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      can't see City giving Leicester the same chances as Arsenal did last week

  19. finnish92
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    A) Get rid of Rashford (-4)
    B) Get rid of Shaw (-4)
    C) Keep both and believe....
    D) Get rid of both (-8), need to transfer out Son...