Scout Notes

Man United defence stunned as Rashford misses penalty

Goals: Daniel James (£6.0m) | Jordan Ayew (£5.0m) Patrick van Aanholt (£5.5m)

Assists: Anthony Martial (£7.7m) | Jeffrey Schlupp (£5.5m)

Bonus Points: Ayew x 3 Van Aanholt x 2 Schlupp x 1

Crystal Palace secured their first win of the 2019/20 Premier League season in dramatic fashion with a last-minute winner from Patrick van Aanholt (£5.0m) at Old Trafford. 

Manchester United came into the game off the back of an unbeaten start to 2019/20 with a 4-0 victory over Chelsea and a 1-1 draw on Monday with Wolves.

However, instead of playing with energy and confidence from their opening encounters, Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer’s side were laboured against Palace on Saturday as a missed penalty from Marcus Rashford (£8.7m) summed up the Red Devil’s afternoon. 

Last week’s draw at Wolves drew considerable debate regarding United’s penalty-takers, with Solsjkaer claiming in his post-match interview that he leaves the final decision to either Paul Pogba (£8.6m) or Rashford dependent on their own preferences. 

Manchester United had further penalty problems on Saturday afternoon

Pogba’s poorly taken spot-kick at Molineux meant it was Rashford who resumed duties from the penalty spot against Palace. It was interesting to see that Anthony Martial (£7.7m) took command of the penalty situation this time, decisively picking the ball up after Scott McTominay (£5.0m) was fouled, and thrust it into Rashford’s hands. Pogba, meanwhile, was conspicuous by his absence from the exchange.

However, Rashford was still unable to bury his spot-kick, striking the post on Saturday afternoon. That was a huge blow for Rashford’s 27.6% ownership, as he registered a Gameweek 3 score of zero points.

“Fine margins. We’re disappointed but I’m sure Marcus will look at his penalty again but he’ll definitely step up again.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Martial registered an assist for Daniel James’ (£6.0m) goal, yet the Frenchman will have been disappointed to not have added to his tally of attacking returns in 2019/20 after failing to add a clinical cutting edge on a number of occasions.

Backed by 18.6% of managers as the most-owned United midfielder, Martial certainly is passing the eye-test, and at £7.7m the French forward is certainly a value-for-money option amidst United’s attacking options. 

Martial was one of two Manchester United players to pick up an injury against Palace

However, any potential new owners may want to keep an eye on his fitness this week as Martial limped off at the end of the game.

The Manchester United website reported that he had picked up an injury in the closing stages with Solskjaer unable to provide much of an update at this early stage.

There was also some concern for Luke Shaw (£5.5m) after he was taken off in the 34th minute, but Solsjkaer confirmed the injury is not thought to be serious or long-term.

“We’ll have to wait and see. Hopefully, they won’t be too bad and maybe we can have them training during the week. We’ll do the scans tomorrow but (Shaw) felt something in his hamstring. Hopefully, it won’t be too bad and I hope he is going to be back for Southampton.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

James, a bright spark amidst an afternoon of misfortune for United, was energetic throughout the game against Palace and got a well-deserved goal in the 89th minute.

He now has attacking returns in both of his matches at Old Trafford this season and has started the last two Gameweeks in a row. That may suggest the former Swansea City midfielder can provide an alternate budget route into the Manchester United attack.

Daniel James celebrates scoring for Manchester United

Fantasy managers had also been flocking to United’s defensive assets after some impressive displays at the back in the first two Gameeeks. The arrivals of Harry Maguire (£5.5m) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.6m) looked to have stabilised the Red Devils’ backline.

However, their failure to keep a clean sheet against a team that offered little going forward might reminder to managers of how far United still have to come. There was also frustration for Wan-Bissaka owners as he picked up a yellow card in the second half.

Solskjaer’s men spent the majority of the first half camped in Palace’s final third and were caught off guard by the first counter-attack of the match.

Ayew capitalised on Manchester United’s high line in the first half

Palace had been resilient in the face of considerable pressure in the opening stages, but it was Jordan Ayew (£5.0m) who found the breakthrough for Palace to put them 1-0 up against the run of play.

The Eagles’ lack of goalscoring impetus aside from Wilfried Zaha (£6.9m) is well documented, though Ayew’s performance and goalscoring contribution could suggest he is capable of involving himself in Palace’s attacking efforts in 2019/20. 

Van Aanholt also reminded Fantasy managers what he is capable of, sending Palace’s away end into a state of euphoria with a winner in injury time. The Dutch defender has always held an attacking threat, averaging nearly five goals a season since 2015/16, and he was once again on target to secure a vital win for Palace. 

For Hodgson’s men, this was an extremely important result, yet it was also a timely reminder that the Eagles, on their day, can be a match for any of the Premier League’s elite sides if they show the resilience they displayed at times in 2018/19.

Van Aanholt celebrates scoring the winner for Crystal Palace at Old Trafford

Gary Cahill (£4.5m) was solid at the back alongside Martin Kelly (£4.0m), which is good news for the Fantasy appeal of the latter, who started ahead of Scott Dann (£4.5m).

The arrival of the ex-Chelsea man on a free transfer could potentially revitalise Palace as a defensive unit worthy of investment – a prospect that may have been discarded by managers following the departure of Wan-Bissaka to United. 

This was an afternoon that belonged to Palace and their resilient attitude in the face of extreme pressure, yet after just three Premier League games of 2019/20, a familiar line of questioning may be pointed towards United.

Defensive frailties have once again been exposed, and they were not too ruthless going forward either. That may lead to further scrutiny of their Fantasy assets in the upcoming Gameweeks.

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Lessons learned from Gameweek 3

1,595 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Arse Craic
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Sterling has 10 goals (with 2 assists) from 8 appearances vs Bournemouth

    1. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Love this username.
      It has a subtle charming ring to it. 🙂

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Nice ‘ring’ pun there mate!! Haha

      2. Das Boot
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I think it's shite, literally

        1. Gnu
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Ah-ha, look who's crawled out from under their stone. 🙂
          How's it diddling Bud?

          1. Das Boot
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            No bad mate, not hanging about as have some work to be done. Hope you are good

            1. Gnu
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Catch you later.

  2. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Who will be the victim of Pep roulette in 5 minutes?

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      My guess is Gundogan and Zinchenko out for DSilva and Cencelo.

      1. Valar(Keith)
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        This

    2. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      mahrez (again)

    3. Tomerick
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Sterling

  3. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Pope Button
    TAA VVD Soy Dunk Lundstram
    Salah Sterling KDB McGinn Dendo
    Barnes Pukki Haller

    Salah and Sterling captain rotation.

    Long term team. Thoughts?

    1. FISSH
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I like

    2. Offs!de
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Like it, can make McGinn to Mount?

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Not into CHE assets, staying away from UTD as well. McGinn very good value for money.

        1. Limbo
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Prefer chances of Chelsea goals over Villa

        2. Planet Head
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Yep I'd rather have McGinn over Mount for the time being, no question

        3. Das Boot
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          yeah, McGinns one to keep

    3. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Arsenal fixtures to good, potential differentials

    4. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      1 Liverpool def for now (mid term) would enable upgrade McGinn to H.Wilson or Mount

      1. Limbo
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Also think Mount offers more than Barnes long term

        1. Third Eye Vision
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Yeah. This is my consideration. Barnes + Dendo (bench) or Mount + Greenwood (bench). The first one is obviously a better bench.

      2. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Nah, VVD and TAA going to haul this season again.

        1. Limbo
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I have TAA but will wait on double up.

    5. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Same front 8 I’m considering. I’ve got the same 5 in mid + Pukki. Gonna keep Rashford for the Bournemouth game and monitor WHam & Haller. They’ve got some nice fixtures though.

    6. asquishypotato
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Looks pretty fun, interesting front line that if I was playing 3 up top, would deco look at.

  4. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Cmon Raz

  5. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Ederson, Walker, Otamendi, Laporte, Zinchenko, Gundogan, Silva (C), De Bruyne, Bernardo, Sterling, Aguero

    Subs | Bravo. Angelino, Rodrigo, Fernandinho, Mahrez, Cancelo, Foden

    1. MTPockets
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Should've got Aguero

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Not if you have Sterling. Cannot have both.

          1. MTPockets
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Why not?

              1. FOO FIGHTER
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                Fodder defence

      • Arteta
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Sterling: check
        Zinchenko: check

      • gamesmad11
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Jesus not in squad

        1. Wally banter
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          wow

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

          Sterling to play CF last 20 minutes?

          1. gamesmad11
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            good shout

        3. GinjaWhinja
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Aguero bandwagon incoming

      • Miniboss
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Silva starts. KdB playing deeper?

        1. Forza
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Yep, no Rodri 🙁

          1. Miniboss
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Should’ve realised Silva will get a nod on his 400th match for city. Well, let’s see what happens.

            1. Majestic Chanka
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              To be fair if he wasn’t in the squad then maybe next week would have been his 400th

              1. Miniboss
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                Heh yeah you’re right. Was expecting him to be benched and have maybe 20 at the end.

      • Dannyb
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Yes Zinchenko makes it in to the team, and my day.

      • Sim Simma
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        ⚽ Team News 📰
        BOU: Ramsdale, Mepham, Adam Smith, Steve Cook, Aké, Daniels, King, Fraser, Lerma, Billing, Wilson
        Subs: Boruc, Rico, Simpson, Wilson, Surman, Ibe, Solanke

        MCI: Ederson, Laporte, Zinchenko, Otamendi, Walker, Gündogan, De Bruyne, David Silva, Agüero, Sterling, Bernardo Silva
        Subs: Bravo, Cancelo, Angeliño, Rodrigo, Fernandinho, Mahrez, Foden

        1. Team Cruel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Oh dear Wilson benched

          1. Sim Simma
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Shocker

          2. Brosstan
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            😉

          3. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Lol

          4. Critical Observer
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Only 50% of them.

        2. DA Minnion (Former great)
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Wilson benched

          1. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            which one?!

            1. DA Minnion (Former great)
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Don't know.

              1. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                Callum Wilson starting

        3. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Bournemouth are quite decent in their 541 formation.

          1. Piggs Boson
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Crowding the half-spaces makes sense against City. It still won't be enough to stop the onslaught though imo.

        4. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Thanks Sim. Appreciate it.

          RIP Bournemouth.

      • Collie01
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Jesus not on the bench.

      • ChickenTikkaMoSalah
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Sterling + KDB time!!

      • DV8R
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Rico finished

        1. Kinkladze
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Cantwell next, followed by Kelly and Lundstram

        2. Brosstan
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          As if Howe would ever go with wingbacks against City

      • Hairy Potter
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Walker, Otamendi and Sterling(c) hopefully will get me points.

        1. DA Minnion (Former great)
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          At least 8 I'd say.

      • Lovren an elevator
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Yes. Come on Kun (c)

        1. Kiwivillan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          If you have I love it

      • Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Sterling - check
        KDB - check
        Zinkydinky - check

        30 points?

        1. JT11fc
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          40

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Yaaaaaaaassssss 🙂

        2. Shark Team
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Check

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Mate 🙂

      • Forza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        No Wilson, LOL @ Tom Hanks

        1. Kinkladze
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Wiiiillllssssooooonnnn!

      • DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Aguero to steal all the city points today.

      • ChickenTikkaMoSalah
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        King playing on the wing makes me happy that I benched him.

        1. Brosstan
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          King is living on borrowed time. Wilson 2 will take his spot soon.

      • EMBOLOFAN
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        scenes as MEPHAM returns to the bournemouth xi

        1. EMBOLOFAN
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          #howeroulette

      • Shark Team
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Gabriel Jesus OUT OF SQUAD
        Aguero 90 minutes INCOMING
        Sterling captainers READY TO CRY
        Me IM A STERLING CAPTAINER TOO

        1. Kinkladze
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Sterling is better coming in from outside.

          1. Team Cruel
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            That's what she said

          2. themachine
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Aguero will get subbed around the 70th minute, for Mahrez or Foden, so Sterling can play as striker:)

        2. Forza
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Aguero is probably better for Sterling, as he'll finish more Sterling assists.

      • Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Minimal pep rotation so far and I’m here for it

        1. Collie01
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Pep said it's rotation time once CL and cups start, so enjoy it while it lasts!

          1. Kinkladze
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            I agree. Aguero nailed for next week.

      • Freaki
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        AWB for which defender (5.6m and below)

        1. EMBOLOFAN
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          awb

        2. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          🙂

          When did you bring him in?

          1. Freaki
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Last gw thought he would give me some cheeky baps

        3. Limbo
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          ^^^^
          Knee

      • Ramboros
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Seeing Rodrigo and Fernandinho on the bench with Gundogan on the pitch is quite strange. KDB to play deeper possibly?

        1. Collie01
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Fernandino is the back up CB
          now I think

        2. Kun Tozser
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Could be, interesting to see what sort of FPL asset he can be today

        3. Yankee Toffee
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          433

      • Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Aaron Ramsdale vs the onslaught of a KDB-orchestrated Man City attack

        1. Kiwivillan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Looked good against Villa

      • Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Only at 23k atm , disappointing.

        1. Brosstan
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Whats the point of posts like this? Pathetic

          1. DA Minnion (Former great)
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            It's called bragging.

            1. Planet Head
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              #humblebrag

          2. Piggs Boson
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Bait 😉

          3. Miniboss
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Triggering other posters. Let it pass.

        2. Cok3y5murf
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Unusually-timed, out-of-the-blue brag 😉

          1. Dynamic Duos
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            I just woke up lol

        3. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Muahaha

      • Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Hmm. With David Silva playing, I guess this means KDB will be playing deeper.

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Deeper than last game, for sure.

          But he still has the ability to return from the there unfortunately. Nervous non-owner.

          1. Planet Head
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Let's hope he stays deep

        2. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I doubt it. KDB will still get forward.

        3. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I think so. It's going to be like that away from home.

          He actually might be a stronger option against difficult opposition when DSilva is dropped for Gundogan and Fernandinho / Rodri.

      • Ze_Austin
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Bournemouth with seven defenders...

        Ah damn.

      • DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Aguero off after 65. Sterling up top.

      • Miniboss
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Super differential Aguero to go mental today.