MANCHESTER UNITED’S unexpected FA Cup final win over local rivals Manchester City changed the outlook for the Red Devils in Dream Team entirely.
Having finished eighth in the Premier League last season, it seemed as if Erik ten Hag’s side would be without European football in 2024/25, something that would have dented their players’ viability considerably.
But victory at Wembley meant they qualified for the Europa League at the second time of asking, making some of their assets rather appealing again.
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More fixtures equals more point-scoring opportunities and with the European competitions changing format this season to accommodate more games, managers should be fully aware of what Man United have to offer.
The Europa League doesn’t get underway until September but it’s not too early to analyse the state of play at Old Trafford in terms of top stars, bargain options and players to avoid.
TOP STARS
Bruno Fernandes (£6m) remains the main man having racked up a whopping 328 points in 2023/24.
A particularly fruitful second half to the campaign propelled the Portuguese playmaker up to sixth in the overall rankings.
No player created more big chances (31) in all competitions than the 29-year-old last season – he deserved more assists than the 14 he registered.
And only Phil Foden (£6.5m) and Cole Palmer (£6m) clocked more shots on target among midfielders.
Fernandes’ impressive output comes at a high price and so some Dream Team bosses might prefer the more affordable Alejandro Garnacho (£4m).
The Argentina international notched 10 goals and 11 assists last time out, including a show-stopping bicycle kick against Everton and a decisive goal in the aforementioned FA Cup final.
A goal in the Community Shield ahead of Gameweek 1 has resulted in a popularity boost for the 20-year-old winger, who now features in 14% of teams created.
Andre Onana (£4m) deserves a mention in this section as he earned more points than any other Dream Team goalkeeper last season.
The Cameroon international was guilty of some notable errors upon his arrival on these shores but he made a whopping 193 saves throughout the campaign, 37 more than his closest rival, Jose Sa (£2.5m).
Man United conceded an almighty number of shots and their league position would have been much lower had Onana not stuck to his task admirably after Christmas.
He also kept 13 clean sheets, hence his points total of 204.
Diogo Dalot (£4m) was also able to mix it with several top-tier defenders for long spells last term – he gets through plenty of tackles.
BARGAIN OPTIONS
Amad Diallo’s (£2.5m) starting price would seem low if he’s able to establish himself as a regular starter but gaffers would probably be wise to wait for a clearer indication of his place in the pecking order before committing.
Interestingly, the value for money might come from Man United’s new recruits.
Defenders Matthijs de Ligt (£3.5m), Leny Yoro (£3.5m) and Noussair Mazraoui (£3.5m) are all intriguing prospects but again, backing any them of them from the get-go feels like an unnecessary risk.
Gaffers will have a better idea of the arrivals’ viability once they’ve seen them in action.
The same applies to Joshua Zirkzee (£3m), the skilful forward was a fun watch at Bologna and his play style seems suited to Dream Team but it can be difficult to predict how players will adapt to the Premier League.
PLAYERS TO AVOID
Kobbie Mainoo (£3m) is a natural talent and his stock increased to an all-time high after some mature showings for England at Euro 2024 but his current ownership of 13.6% is curiously high.
It’s not that the midfielder is a player to avoid as such (his price tag is modest) but his average of 4.2 points-per-game in 2023/24 doesn’t align with his current status as the tenth-most selected player in his position.
He’s silky and pleasing on the eye but managers should strive to pack their midfield with players who are persistent goal/assist threats.
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Marcus Rashford (£4m) has lit up Dream Team several times in his career but there’s no denying he was an asset to avoid at all costs last time around.
The long-serving forward bagged 30 goals in all competitions in 2022/23 but that figure dropped to just eight in 2023/24.
Until gaffers see a marked improvement from Rashford, he’s one to avoid – £4m is better spent elsewhere.