Scout Notes

Fernandes breaks key passes record in just 45 minutes at West Ham

West Ham 1-3 Man United

  • Goals: Tomas Souček (£4.9m) | Paul Pogba (£7.7m), Mason Greenwood (£7.1m), Marcus Rashford (£9.5m)
  • Assists: Declan Rice (£4.8m) | Bruno Fernandes (£10.9m), Alex Telles (£5.5m), Juan Mata (£5.9m)
  • Bonus points: Pogba x3, Fernandes x2, Souček x1

SMASH AND GRAB

Bruno Fernandes (£10.9m) left his burgeoning ownership wondering what might have been as he transformed Manchester United in a 3-1 win at West Ham.

In a match which the phrase “game of two halves” was invented for, the Portuguese international was comfortably the man of the match despite only featuring for 45 minutes.

Ole Gunnar Solksjaer rested Fernandes and Marcus Rashford (£9.5m) in Gameweek 11, citing recent bruises and knocks.

“With Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes, they’ve been kicked between here and there lately. Bruno’s foot’s been sore since the Southampton game. Hopefully, I don’t have to use him tonight.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, speaking pre-match

The Manchester United boss was hoping he could get through the London Stadium encounter without drawing on them but his hand was forced when West Ham played his team off the park in the opening period.

“We struggled to keep up with the counter-attack and set plays. We gave the ball away too often.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Solskjaer introduced Fernandes and Rashford in the place of Donny van Beek (£6.7m) and Edinson Cavani (£8.1m), the two players slotting into their preferred positions of number 10 and left-wing respectively – and they turned Manchester United into a completely different team.

Crucial to that transformation Fernandes playing a whopping eight key passes. That’s right, EIGHT in just 45 minutes – the most of any player in a Premier League game this season and enough to help him also achieve two bonus points.

If those around him had shown better finishing in the second half, or if Solskjaer had started the player, he could have realistically come away from the London Stadium with three or four assists and might have matched Gameweek 11 captaincy rival Kevin De Bruyne (£11.7m).

The surprise benching may have ended Fernandes’ run of four consecutive away-day double-digit hauls but he remains an exceptional asset on the road and is, of course, still yet to blank outside of Old Trafford in 2020/21.

That said, Fantasy managers may want to keep an eye on his fixtures, considering Manchester United are at home in four of the next six. Fernandes may have averaged 11.4 points per away game this season but he has scored just 4.8 points per game at Old Trafford.

STRICKEN DEVILS

It is clear that the demanding schedule is starting to take its toll on Manchester United’s squad before the Christmas rush is even at its height.

We recently highlighted the hectic nature of their December fixtures, this month containing nine matches and no fewer than six two-day turnarounds.

So the fact that Cavani and Anthony Martial (£8.7m) both picked up knocks against West Ham is far from ideal for Solskjaer.

“Edinson had to come off with an injury. Hopefully, it’s not too bad. Anthony had to come off as well.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

“We lost (Anthony) Martial and Edinson (Cavani). Hopefully not too bad, but they couldn’t carry on. It’s going to be a season where we have to do without players. I’m just glad that we’ve got the subs that we have. We’ll do some scans and hopefully, they’ll be available soon.”

Meanwhile, David de Gea (£5.4m) sat this one out as the injury sustained at Southampton in Gameweek 10 continues to plague the goalkeeper.

He was able to face PSG midweek but, Solskjaer was not willing to take any risks, handing a much-anticipated first Premier League start to Dean Henderson (£5.3m), who did an excellent job of keeping Manchester United only 1-0 down in the woeful first half.

“The injury against Southampton is something we don’t want to take a risk with. Obviously, he played against PSG, so hopefully, we can have him ready for Leipzig as well.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

HAMMERS COMING DOWN

West Ham’s defensive credentials continue to fall as they conceded for the fifth time in seven matches.

In many ways, the first half proved to be somewhat misleading concerning their recent problems in defence, the Hammers allowed complete control of the game by Manchester United’s woeful passing and approach play.

However, the game turned on its head once the Red Devils got going and West Ham were second-best from that point.

It continues a downward trend at the back for David Moyes’ men who were certainly fortunate not to concede more often in recent wins over Fulham and Aston Villa.

That was borne out in recent underlying statistics too. For example, they came into Gameweek 11 with a worse score for expected goals conceded (xGC) over the previous four matches than the Cottagers and, accordingly, let in more goals than the Cottagers on Saturday.

Crucially, popular Fantasy asset Patrick Bamford (£6.1m) and his Leeds colleagues face West Ham in Gameweek 12 before Chelsea’s in-form attackers host the Hammers in Gameweek 14.

West Ham United XI (3-4-2-1): Fabianski; Cresswell, Ogbonna, Balbuena; Masuaku, Souček, Rice, Coufal (Johnson 85′); Fornals (Benrahma 75′), Bowen (Lanzini 76′); Haller.

Manchester United XI (4-2-3-1): D Henderson; Telles, Maguire, Lindelöf, Wan-Bissaka; Pogba, McTominay; Martial (Mata 62′), van de Beek (B Fernandes 46′), Greenwood; Cavani (Rashford 46′).

2,136 Comments Post a Comment
  1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Son or Fernandes if can only choose 1?

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Bruno

    2. tibollom
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      bruno

    3. jimmyabs1987
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Son

  2. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on Cancelo Sterling to Dallas Salah(c) ??

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Worth it imo

    2. tibollom
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      good move

    3. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Absolutely

    4. Atimis
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Just will have to think about getting KDB for GW13...

  3. tc93
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Thinking Ziyech + DCL —> Son + Adam’s (-4), Will wait until champions league is played to make them though, another option is to do Ziyech to Jota. But leaning towards son so I get a big power 5 midfield
    Thoughts?

    Rest of team:
    Martinez
    Chillwell / KWP / Dias
    Salah / Fernandes / Ziyech / Grealish / KDB
    DCL / Bamford

    Button, Kilman, Michell, Stephen’s.

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Why not?

      1. tc93
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        That’s what I’m thinking

  4. The Man Pastore
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Which striker would you choose out of :

    A) Watkins
    B) Wilson

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B, once we know the match will definitely be played.

    2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

  5. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    What to do here guys, need to get Salah in. got 2 FT and 0.4 ITB...

    Ryan Button
    Lamptey Dallas Robbo Chillwell Ferguson
    Rash Ziyech Grealish Soucek KDB
    Bam DCL Kane

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Looks like Kane or Robbo down to enable Ziyech to Salah.

      1. tibollom
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        hmm thanks mate, not sure I wanna get rid of Kane though

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Rashford ziyech out

      1. tibollom
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        thanks sir, rash + ziyech to Salah + Neto (5.7 budget)?

        1. The Knights Template
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Yep

  6. Zimo
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Can this teambe improved upon?

    Meslier
    Chilwell Robertson James
    Salah KDB Bruno Son Grealish
    Bamford Adams

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Looks like an easy save.

      1. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Absolutely - get a bench.

      1. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Neverrr!

    3. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      No, but a lot of money in defence I think with so many good 4.5's

      1. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Hmm yeah could downgrade 1 of the defenders to get a bench maybe.

    4. Captain Vantastic™
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      No Kane.

      1. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Well u gimme an extra 5m and I'll do Adams to Kane

    5. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      You must have excellent team value to get a squad like that. I have Jota instead of Son and Watkins DCL up top. I do have 2 bench options which I think is a wise choice based on the amount of rotation we are likely to see in December; that said, I admire your “balls to the wall” approach

      1. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Haha thanks 😛 I've never really had any luck with having the right bench option come on in the right gw. Usually only 2 pointers. So i just say fek it now. Let's go without.

  7. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Trent Alexander Arnold will definitely be a differential from this week onwards.

    Will be going with the holy Trinity and TAA myself in 2 weeks.
    Also have Mahrez who will be upgraded later to Son.

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      But TAA was giving us nothing pre-injury, he's a very expensive punt for mine atm.

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'm happy with robbo for the moment

  8. Mr. Mystic
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    C Wilson a decent captain punt this week? (If Newcastle play)

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I don't think I'd captain considering their interrupted preparation.

  9. Mr. Mystic
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Ayling or Dallas? And why?

    1. tibollom
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      dallas

  10. KingZZ
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Vardy + Fornals - - > Bamford + Salah (for - 4)

    Yes or No?

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yes if you captain salah

      1. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        This

      2. KingZZ
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks. Yes plan is to captain him.

    2. tibollom
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      yes mate go for it

      1. KingZZ
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks

    3. BremerHB
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Absolutely

      1. KingZZ
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks

    4. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Very popular trade ins this week. Yes.

      1. KingZZ
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks

  11. Bleh
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    5th mid vote. Have significant value tied up in both but one has to make way for Salah/Bruno.

    A. Jota
    B. Grealish

    1. tibollom
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      keep jack

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Grealish starter over Jota bench player.

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Lose jota

    4. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

    5. Bleh
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Thanks all

  12. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Problem with going for Wilson is we will be forced to watch Newcastle games 🙂

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      haha this

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Not worth it

  13. Cojones of Destiny
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    who d you rather have for next 3 gws:
    a. Bam
    b. Wilson

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      b

    2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

    4. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

  14. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Play Coufal or Lamptey?

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Coufal

  15. corderz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone else think Salah might get rested for Fulham game?

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Nope.

    2. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Quite possible, I also think KDB will get tested for their WBA home game

      1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Definitely gonna be tested by Johnstone 😛

        1. Eleven Hag
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          haha

      2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Hopefully the test comes back negative though...

    3. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      No but might be subbed off a bit early

    4. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Wont be surprised

    5. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Nobody is thinking this

  16. BremerHB
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    A) Grealish, Vardy -> Salah, Wilson (-4)?

    B) Vardy, Stephens, Chilwell, Martinez -> Brewster, Salah, Dallas, Mendy (-12)?

    A means 3-4-3 - KDB, Salah, Son, Bruno.

    B means 3-5-2 with the above plus Grealish. Minus 12 seems somewhat drastic though, I admit...

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Neither

      1. BremerHB
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers. Fitting Salah in is proving to be tough!

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A if any

      1. BremerHB
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks! Not entirely convinced either but I definitely want Salah in..

  17. Jan Strzelecki
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    anybody trying to fit Son Salah Kdb Fernandes Kane all in? strongly considering it, at the moment have all except Salah. Would need to sell DcL to be able to do that.

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      No. Have all except bruno. Too many compromises elsewhere for five. Dont think it's worth it.

  18. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Did Ziyech to Jota early this time... already regretting it looking at all these people taking hits to sell Jota

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      He got his rest out of the way now and will get to start plenty of games imo

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Not sure what has changed

    3. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      And the Ziyech to Jota conundrum continues..

  19. Pino
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Just rage sold Johnstone, Mitchell and Zyech for 4.0 keeper, Dallas and Son for -8. On top of it I bought Johnstone for -4 last GW, so he cost me -8p in total. Just want to forget buying Johnstone and move on.

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      we will remind you 🙂

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Bad break up, sorry to hear that.

  20. Shifty
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    So turns out FH paid off - even if it meant getting rid of Son > KDB.

    Good news is Son is back in the team! Thoughts on Bruno > Salah for free? I know the masses on the boards won't agree but rationale is as follows:

    - Other players in team have decent fixtures
    - Can't have everyone without taking some significant hits now.
    - No strong (c) option if I don't make the move
    - Can use that spot as a rotation between big hitters. Bit of hokeypokey there but that could work quite well.
    - Other option is Vardy + Jota > Bamford + Salah (-4) but I don't like the hit...and Jota could v well start against Fulham

    Rest of team:

    Martinez
    Zouma Reguillon Lamptey
    Jota Bruno Son Grealish
    Kane Vardy DCL

    Thanks.

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I guess thats your only option

  21. Sloane426
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Kane + Jota > Bamford/Wilson + Salah -4?

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      pls re-think your moves, losing Kane and Jota prior to flhm no

  22. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Don ‘t think five is possible, toying with going with four?

    DCL, Mahrez, Robbo > Wilson, Salah, Alioski?

    Which two of the big three MIDS is most important?

    Martinez,
    Zouma, Chilwell, Robbo
    Bruno VC, Son, Jota, Mahrez
    DCL, Kane, Bamford

    Forster, Coufal, Lamptey, Grealish,

    .2 bank

  23. JurgenRodgers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Exact funds to go

    Sterling/James (own Chilwell)

    Salah (C) Lewis -4

    Y or N

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Drop Chilwell instead and get someone better than Lewis

  24. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    New Article

  25. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    bruno and ziyech out for salah JWP for -4?

    just dont think manutd can score against manc at least for this game. shall see how to get back bruno then.

  26. TheBiffas
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    hi guys,

    which two of these four would you guys suggest?

    Watkins, Adams, Bamford, Wilson.

  27. Bobby's Teeth
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Ziyech Zaha --> Soucek Son (-4)

    Yay or Nay?

  28. Reeker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is Rodriguez to Jota still a good move?

    Martinez
    James - Robertson - Dallas
    KDB - Salah - Son - Grealish - Rodriguez
    DCL - Bamford
    (Peacock-Farrell) (Lamptey) (Brewster) (Mitchell)

    1 FT - 0.9 ITB