Scout Notes

Man United defence contains Vardy as Rashford scores penalty

Manchester United 1-0 Leicester

Goals: Marcus Rashford (£8.5m)

Assists: None

Bonus Points: Rashford x3, Victor Lindelöf x2 (£5.4m), David de Gea x2 (£5.6m)

Marcus Rashford (£8.5m) was the key man for Manchester United as they recorded a much-needed win over Leicester City on Saturday.

The Red Devils had come into this meeting with tough opposition having taken two points from their last three and several absences.

Paul Pogba (£8.5m), Luke Shaw (£5.4m), Diogo Dalot (£4.9m) and Jesse Lingard (£6.4m) were among those out with injuries, while Anthony Martial (£7.6m) missed a second successive Premier League match.

That allowed Rashford to lead the line once again, having been pushed out wide by the Frenchman in the early part of the season, although his best threat proved to be from set-pieces.

Rashford won the game from the penalty spot in the first half

With Pogba not on the pitch, the England international scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot, after Çaglar Söyüncü (£4.6m) brought him down.

Amid much debate over Manchester United’s penalties in recent weeks, both Pogba and Rashford each missing one, the centre-forward was happy to step up against Leicester, although the absence of his French colleague did make the decision that little bit easier.

After missing against Crystal Palace, Rashford went with placement as he rolled the ball into the bottom-right corner after sending Kasper Schmeichel (£5.0m) the wrong way.

“He’s been practising penalties and he can go both ways. He can go through the middle, he was calm and we’re going to get more of them, no doubt about it, because we’ve got players in the box with quick feet and, with VAR now, there’s no chance you’re not going to get them, even though we haven’t got every penalty we should have. Going forward, I think we’ll see him slot in a few more. Every striker misses a penalty. I’ve seen [Diego] Maradona and [Lionel] Messi do it. I’ve seen Platini against Brazil and Zico – my favourite player of all time – missed in the same game. You’ve just got to be confident enough to step up next time. What’s the worst that can happen?” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Rashford also had the chance to make it 2-0 in the second half as he curled a fantastic free-kick over the wall only to see it cannon back off the intersection of the crossbar and post.

However, there was not too much threat offered outside of Rashford and his set-piece capabilities in a game that featured very few chances at either end.

Harry Maguire (£5.5m) was the only other player who came close to scoring, but his header was aimed straight at former colleague Schmeichel.

Against Leicester, Daniel James did not offer as much threat as previous outings

Daniel James (£6.2m) had come into Gameweek 5 joint-top for shots inside the box among his colleagues but was not so effective against Leicester.

Across the 90 minutes, he was restricted to two efforts from range, neither of which were on target.

It feels harsh to hold it against James given that Manchester United were missing some key personnel from their midfield.

“It wasn’t our best performance by a long way. We were sloppy on the ball at times and we didn’t keep the ball in their half long enough.” – Harry Maguire

”We were a little bit sloppy on the ball, but we had to defend and today is probably the first time this season, apart from some parts of the first half against Chelsea, that we’ve had to defend deep against a team that was pushing us, but I never felt under any real, real pressure. They didn’t create too many big chances in that second half, even though they had the ball.“ – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Gameweek 6 pitches Manchester United against West Ham who may have kept back-to-back clean sheets for the first time this season after a Monday night trip to Aston Villa, but who have yet to impress too much defensively.

If the Red Devils’ key players can return in time for that encounter, then we could see James back to his best. Meanwhile, a return for Martial could push Rashford back onto the flanks of attacking midfield.

Man United were boosted by Wan-Bissaka passing his fitness test to play

Despite not offering a huge deal going forward, Manchester United were praised for their defensive work against a Leicester side that had averaged 1.5 goals per game ahead of Gameweek 5.

They were handed a boost when the team news dropped at 2pm on Saturday as Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.5m), who had been considered an injury doubt, started the game at right-back.

However, the most impressive performers were Victor Lindelöf (£5.4m) and Scott McTominay (£5.0m) who did a great job of breaking up Leicester’s attacking play and limiting service to Jamie Vardy (£8.9m), the former earning two bonus points for his efforts.

“I thought McTominay was excellent. He lost the ball a few times, but you expect that because he’s still learning his role. He goes into tackles and he’s a leader. I wouldn’t want to go into a 50-50 with him! I thought he did excellent all day.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

There also appears to have been some progress for Maguire and Lindelöf as they continue to forge a central defensive partnership. The Englishman was credited for keeping Vardy under wraps while his Swedish counterpart was the man making the clearances and recoveries.

“You have to realise partnerships are built on playing games and we have only had five games. We will get better. I will understand him more and he will understand me more. There probably will be times when we can do better but we will continue to work hard on the training pitch and that is really important to build relationships around the pitch – not just me and Victor.” – Harry Maguire

That progress might be of interest to those still in possession of Manchester United defenders, or thinking about them. Many expected Leicester to find a breakthrough at Old Trafford but they were largely kept quiet.

There are certainly opportunities for further clean sheets in the next four Gameweeks, with next weekend’s trip to West Ham and the Gameweek 8 trip to Newcastle. However, managers should be aware that Manchester United do have to host Arsenal and Liverpool between now and Gameweek 9.

“We will improve and we will work hard to improve. It was important that we were solid defensively. They are a good team, and they move the ball around well, but I think we deserved the points in regards to chances created. It is really important, as a defence, to keep a clean sheet. At Old Trafford, we need to keep clean sheets to win games, like in the first game of the season [against Chelsea], if we keep a clean sheet, we win. We have enough talent in attacking areas to score goals. So, as a back four, as a team, we are really pleased with that.” – Harry Maguire

Leicester have struggled in the early part of matches this season

Meanwhile, this was a somewhat discouraging afternoon for those invested in Leicester assets.

The Foxes were plagued by a poor start to the game, in which Söyüncü gave away a penalty and, even though they grew into the game in the second half, it was hard for them to bounce back.

That was something that worried Jonny Evans (£5.0m) as conceding early on was something that caused big problems for former manager Claude Puel.

Last season, Leicester conceded 12 goals in the opening 15 minutes of Premier League matches, more than any other side, although this occurred less often once Brendan Rodgers came in and steadied the ship.

However, in the first five matches of the current campaign, the Foxes have let a goal in before the 15-minute mark three times. That is certainly discouraging for owners of their defensive assets, Söyüncü, who had a bad game, Ricardo Pereira (£6.0m) and Schmeichel the most popular.

With Tottenham and Liverpool two of the next four opponents for Leicester, it probably seems best to avoid their defensive assets for now.

“We’ve got to start games better. It was similar against Chelsea and we came away and had a good second half and it was maybe a bit similar to Saturday without getting the equaliser. It’s something we need to address and have a bit more belief coming into the game and a bit more determination to start the game well.” – Jonny Evans

“We didn’t start the game well from the very first kick, from kick-off. Then, we gave away the cheap penalty and that sets you back. When you’re away from home in these big games, it’s not the ideal start, but we worked our way into it.” – Brendan Rodgers

Maddison was Leicester’s chief goal threat although Rodgers may have to tweak his position for Gameweek 6

James Maddison (£7.1m) was probably Leicester’s best chance of finding the net at Old Trafford as he fired off three efforts, only one landing on target.

However, his positioning could prove a problem that needs solving for Rodgers between now and Gameweek 6.

He has been deployed on the left flank of a 4-1-4-1 often this season, and we saw the same on Saturday. However, given that he has more used to a central role, Maddison often drifted inside and onto the right, leaving Ben Chilwell (£5.4m) alone on the left.

Maguire largely kept Vardy under wraps at Old Trafford

In situations where both players have pushed forward, Maddison into the middle/right and Chilwell up the left, they were exposed down that side of the pitch. In fact, it was in this area that Rashford was able to get one-on-one with Söyüncü and win the penalty. It will, therefore, be interesting to see if Maddison is pulled back into a central role against Spurs.

Meanwhile, the Foxes’ key man Vardy did not register a single shot on Saturday afternoon, largely kept under wraps by Maguire.

“No. It was full focus on the game. Obviously, playing against [Jamie Vardy], he is a top player and he has done it in the Premier League for numerous years. I know, on his day, he can terrorise defences. I have seen it playing for Leicester for the past few years. It was really important we got hold of him and vital to nullify him because he is a top player.” – Harry Maguire

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Manchester United XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Young, Maguire, Lindelöf, Wan-Bissaka; Matić (Fred 67′), McTominay; D James (Tuanzebe 90+1′), Mata (Chong 70′), A Pereira; Rashford.

Leicester City XI (4-1-4-1): Schmeichel; Chilwell, Söyüncü, Evans, R Pereira; Ndidi; Maddison, Choudhury (A Pérez 57′), Tielemans, D Gray (H Barnes 68′); Vardy.

Lessons learned from Gameweek 5

854 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    2 quick questions

    1) Who would you ditch first out of AWB and Zinchenko?

    2) Would you bring in Lowton (enough to do Dendo > Cantwell next week) or Rico (more itb to go for either 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 next week)?

    Thanks

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

      A. Zinchenko - AWB is pretty much nailed whereas Zinchenko is not, plus their defence is facing a lot of injuries.

      B. I'm looking at Rico myself but worried that he's not nailed

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers

        MCI defence looks like a warzone atm to be honest so I leaning towards Zinch out but AWB plays for MUN and they are just pants

        If I went for Rico then for this week only I would need to start him or Lundstram but after that he would be a bench player

        1. Markus
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          The last warzone defence kept the best attack in the Premier league at relative bay - in this counter intuitive defensive season, I think that means jump on in!

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            You'll have to explain this - I'm confused!

            1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              He means Norwich

          2. The Overthinker
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Well said

          3. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            So you'd hold on Zinch and dump AWB?

            Not an easy one imo

    2. teneighty
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      1, AWB

      2, Is the player in your starting XI? If yes, I would go for Cantwell who seems to be a certain starter.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks

        If I went for Lowton then I would hold off on the Cantwell move until next week as it isnt worth -4

        If I go for Rico then I would have to start either him or Lunds this week but he would then move to be a bench player as I would go to 3-4-3 or 3-5-2

    3. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Awb is the best 5.5 in the game rn

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Just a shame he plays for MUN now who are unpredictable and mostly dire....

        I would be straight on him otherwise, although RMT tool doesn't make him look appealing at all!

    4. LangerznMash
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      1) Ditch Zinchenko
      2) Rico

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers - these would appear to be the favoured choices around here especially

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

    Pope
    Robertson VVD AWB Zinchenko (Lundstram)
    Salah Sterling KDB Mount (Dendoncker)
    Abraham Pukki (Greenwood)

    1FT, 0.0 ITB

    Not too happy this week with the defence and half the team being involved in a single fixture.

    A. Save the transfer
    B. VVD to Rico (Prepare for 3-4-3/3-5-2)
    C. VVD to Rico, Greenwood to Barnes (-4)

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      In your case I think I'd save

    2. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Probably A, don't think Rico and Barnes are worth a hit.

  3. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    guys how bad is Hanley if they didnt use him when they had like no players? Why hasnt he started the last 2 was he injured or something? He doesnt have a flag

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

      Injured at the end of August, flag removed on the 14th September

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        sweet thanks Nuno

  4. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Wouldn't surprise me if Watf score vs City.

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Got an eye on Hughes if I WC.

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        the autopick robot has tried to shove Hughes in my team 100 times!

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          5.5m is to exp for him

    2. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Not sure they will score, they played their little hearts out last week but that finishing quality just wasnt there. And they wont get anywhere near that amount of opportunities vs City.

      I do think they will give City a tight game tho, so low scoreline. 2 goals max for City

    3. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      City 433 and they score, 352 and they dont imo

  5. AleksanderOjari
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    i have an injured martial on the bench, for who should I replace him ( lanzini? james? cantwell?)

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Cantwell

    2. BabyB
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      no one. Wait for presser then play when fit.

  6. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Pope
    LAPORTE Robbo TAA Digne
    TROSSARD Sterling Salah Mount
    Pukki Haller
    (4.0 Greenwood Dendoncker Rico)

    a) Laporte, Robbo & Trossard > Aurier, Otamendi & KDB (-4)
    b) Laporte, Robbo & Trossard > Otamendi, Lowton & KDB (leaves enough in the bank for Dendoncker > Cantwell next week) (-4)

  7. Super Swans
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Heaton
    Lundstram - lowton - dunk
    Son - Mane - Sterling - KDB - Mount
    Auba - Pukki

    Subs: rico - greenwood - kelly
    Hows my team looking?

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      if its a wc then get TAA in there
      and Tammy
      Lose KdB or Son

    2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I would get TAA and Tammy and sacrifice Sterling

      Sterling > Cantwell
      Kelly, Gwood > TAA, Tammy

    3. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Not a bad team. Like the midfield but you're defence is awful.

    4. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I'd downgrade Aub to Abraham and upgrade Lowton or Kells to TAA. Also I'd rather pope over Heaton.

  8. FPL Forward Thinker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Can Claudio Bravo play centre half?

    1. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Ederson claims he can play outfield. Let's see him!

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        lol I saw this stupid video a while ago about Ederson playing as an extra defender/midfielder and they decided it could be viable due to the fact City will still score more even with no keeper. It was like a 20 minute long video 😀

  9. RossoneriHammer
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Good day to thees,

    Any champions league leagues I can join?

    1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Look in community article for code to the ffs league

  10. shirtless
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Crikey might lay off Otamendi now.. They seem cursed.

    1. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      With Man City now officially in crisis I'm expecting a run of clean sheets, or at least that's how I'm justifying Otamendi being in my team.

  11. FortunesAlwaysHiding
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Is Ismaila Sarr worth a look? Could be deployed through the middle for Watford according to Flores.

    1. LangerznMash
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      He's is mint on Fifa so naturally will be amazing on FPL.

    2. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      He looked ok against us (Arsenal), but then again we made Cleverley look amazing.

    3. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Right winger being played out of position. Wait and see for me...Deulo looked fantastic vs arsenal

  12. LangerznMash
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Unpopular opinion.
    Pepe will outscore Son in the next 6 GWs.
    Agree or disagree?

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

      Disagree

    2. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Pepe is overrated on here and all i see when i watch him playing is a chicken headless.

    3. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      No chance, Son will bag more points in the next 2 then Pepe in all 6

      1. LangerznMash
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Very unpopular opinion. I've put my money where my mouth is an put in Pepe over Son and I have ever captained him!

        1. Cok3y5murf
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          So you're the sole person who's voted for him in the captain poll 😀

          1. LangerznMash
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            guilty lol

    4. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      And pigs will fly

    5. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Haha pepe imo is the overpriced by at least 1 Mill maybe 1 1/2 Mill. I'd rather son even if he was 2 mill more.

    6. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      If Son played in league 1 for a year, and had penalties and DFK's... I wonder how his stats would compare to Pepe's...

      Something tells me he'd be a bit of a record breaker

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        *Ligue 1

      2. Rhodes your boat
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I’d like to see son in League 1!

  13. Pep's Money Laundry
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Currently on my wc, which do you prefer:

    A. Aurier, Rico
    B. Diop, Guilbert (or Yoshida, not sure why he hasn't played much this season)
    C. Diop, Rico + 0.4

    I've also got TAA, Soyuncu & Lundstram, which might mean B is the safest when it comes to rotation

    1. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I’ve got same 3 on wc and currently I’ve got mings + rico

  14. Angin out the Begović
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Kane --> Tammy
    James --> Son
    -4 ?

    1. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Kane to Abraham.

    2. LangerznMash
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Too close to take a points hit on. You could be paying to shoot yourself in the foot.

  15. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    more people have voted Che Adams as captain than Son? WTF guys

  16. Lukaku91
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    join my UEFA Champions League Fantasy league. 30 mins to go

    1. Lukaku91
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      League Code: 4114FJ9DJM

  17. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    anyone else keeping VVD on wc over geting in TAA? Or am I alone?

    1. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I just have taa in my wc

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        lol

        1. Rhodes your boat
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          What?

  18. Rhodes your boat
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Worth the weak defence for this mid and forward line on wc?!

    Pope
    Taa lundstram rico
    Salah sterling kdb son Cantwell
    Abraham Pukki

    Button soyuncu mings Connolly

    0.1itb

  19. Lukaku91
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    join my UEFA Champions League Fantasy league. 10 mins to go

  20. proczell
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Have 2FTs, 0.0 ITB. My team does not feel right, but I don’t want to use my WC when I have 2 transfers available. Any advice?

    Pope-Button
    TAA-Coleman-Montoya-Rico-Zinch
    Sterling-Salah-KdB-Ceballos-Dend
    Vardy-Haller-Greenwood

    1. NotsoSpursy
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Mmhmm think you need a big striker
      Aub or Kun ?

  21. NotsoSpursy
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    1.6m itb
    1FT

    Thinking Kane -> Kun ?

    Pope, Button
    VW, Otamendi, Montoya, Rico, Digne
    Salah, Sterling, Ndombele, dendonk, mount
    Kane, Greenwood, Pukki