Robin van Persie scores twice as United see off Southampton to move into third. Wayne Rooney and Dusan Tadic bag an assist apiece, whilst Graziano Pelle’s first goal since Gameweek 8 isn’t enough to prevent the Saints slipping to another defeat.

Van Persie at the double

At a time when Sergio Aguero owners are looking for a likely exit route, the United frontman stepped up with a deadly brace to fire his side into third spot last night. There’s no doubt that Van Persie has toiled under Louis van Gaal so far but his recent form suggests he may have turned the corner – that’s three goals, an assist and four bonus points in his last trio of appearances now, and at 12.4 in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, he is certainly affordable for those holding Aguero. Upcoming opponents Liverpool, Villa and Newcastle have all tightened up in recent outings, though, and with far cheaper options offering better form, the 2%-owned Dutchman may remain a differential for now.

Rooney Ticks Over

The England international arrived at St Mary’s in decent form, having scored in each of his last two league outings. Handed a role alongside Van Persie as Van Gaal turned to a 3-4-1-2 formation, Rooney’s dead-ball duties came to fruition after he provided the assist for the Dutchman’s second. Whilst his minutes have been diminished by suspension and injury this term, Rooney has been relatively consistent for the Red Devils – he’s now scored or assisted in six of his last eight in the league. With Radamel Falcao remaining on the bench for the 90 minutes, Rooney’s more advanced berth may well turn a few more heads, with a 10.4 price tag far easier on the budget than Van Persie’s.

Pelle Ends Goal Drought

The Italian was back amongst the goals at St Mary’s after firing his first strike in seven Gameweeks. Pelle has dropped from 8.5 to 8.1 in recent weeks as his woeful form persuaded plenty to look elsewhere but last night’s strike served a reminder of his abilities and took the Saints summer signing up to second spot amongst forwards in the FPL game. An assist from Dusan Tadic – his first points since Gameweek 8 – suggests Ronald Koeman’s main men still have the potential to deliver ahead of a run which pits them against a trio of opponents (bur, EVE, cpl) that have been far from convincing at the back.

Saints Stutter Again

It’s four matches without a clean sheet now for Ronald Koeman’s side as the stern fixtures prove a test too far. Having conceded just five times in the first 11 Gameweeks, Southampton have since shipped seven goals in the subsequent four, and with Toby Alderweireld joining the likes of Morgan Schneiderlin and Jack Cork in the injury room, their toils look set to continue. Koeman’s defence face Everton, Chelsea, Arsenal and United in the next six and may be best avoided until the schedule smiles kindly again in Gameweek 22.