FPL long view: Kind fixtures can boost appeal of Man Utd stars

The Scout helps managers in Fantasy Premier League to plan ahead by highlighting clubs with good fixtures around the corner from Gameweek 11 onwards. Remember, you can now save up to FIVE free transfers. 

Manchester United

Man Utd have made a strong start to life after Erik ten Hag, romping to a 5-2 home win over Leicester City in the EFL Cup on Wednesday under interim head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy.

It is too early to draw firm conclusions, and the Red Devils have a tricky match against Chelsea this weekend in Gameweek 10 which will deter immediate investment in their players in Fantasy.

But after that, Man Utd have back-to-back encounters with promoted pair Leicester and Ipswich Town, before hosting Everton.

This kind schedule is reflected in the Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR), with each of those three matches scoring only two. 

*1 = easiest possible fixture, 5 = hardest possible fixture

Who are the best Man Utd picks?

Diogo Dalot (£5.1m) has been Man Utd’s top-performing outfield player across the opening nine Gameweeks of 2024/25 Fantasy. The full-back has combined an assist with four clean sheets and six bonus points to collect 37 points. 

The Red Devils’ struggles in attack so far this season are all too evident, given Alejandro Garnacho (£6.2m) is the club's top Premier League goalscorer this campaign with only two strikes.

But the Argentinian’s underlying numbers suggest he is the most likely attacker to deliver returns and that he could be worth consideration if Man Utd can capitalise on their strong fixtures under Van Nistelrooy or a permanent new head coach.

Garnacho's 18 shots in the box and seven big chances – situations where the player is expected to score – both rank top among his team-mates in Fantasy. And his goal against Leicester on Wednesday took his tally to six in all competitions this season.

Bruno Fernandes (£8.2m) has done little to justify his premium price tag so far, with just two assists to his name. But the playmaker’s 28 shots rank first for Man Utd in Fantasy, and he scored twice against Leicester in midweek, suggesting more returns could be on the way.

Up front, Rasmus Hojlund’s (£6.9m) total of two shots in the box across five appearances highlight his frustrating displays under Ten Hag. Nonetheless, the Dane will surely be expected to lead the line over the upcoming favourable fixtures and, with an ownership of just one per cent, he could yet become a great differential.