Sir John is now reconnected with his blog and back on the fantasy pitch of our beloved Premier League. In reading comments from past blogs, people have asked me to provide no opinion and information only. Boring! What you can continue to expect will be stats, keeping track of injuries and projected starting line-ups; however, the pieces will also have opinion, suggestions and a fair share of controversy. So here we go with what fantasy managers who like to stock their team with Manchester United players should consider, especially with the current state of affairs at Old Trafford.

In the past, choosing three players from Man Yoo for your roster was a lock for major points; and they came easily from the defensive side or what went in the opponents' nets. Fantasy managers need to remember to conserve their transfers and not make rash decisions after only one match; however, right now, things are a bit nervy for SAF’s lads.

It is still amazing that Everton only managed one goal in their result Monday night. Outstanding goal eeping by De Gea was a major factor; however, with injuries to Rio, Jones, Smalling and Evans, having Valencia and Carrick out of their normal midfield positions on defence was PG-13.

Carrick was manhandled by Fellaini and at 6.9 is not an especially wise fantasy pick, even when he returns to midfield while Valencia can be David Luiz-like as an emergency defender and at 8.4 is pricey for the hot-and-cold winger faucet he is.

Even when Rio returns, Sir John has always thought his value has been too high. His market cost is 7.2, and at 33 years old, he has not scored a Premier League goal since the 2007-2008 season. Vidic’s return after a long injury rehab was welcome, but his value of 7.7 for a player still working on his fitness and timing is a big hit on a manager’s budget.

Jones (6.4) faded badly last season, Evans (6.8) is a SAF favorite but a mystery to fantasy managers, and Smalling (6.3) is out until October.

Evra (7.0) has a history of good point production; however, the Frenchman seems to have lost a step while not gaining much in the way of good decision-making.

Nani (7.7) had a wretched match at Everton. His hot head boiled over early and his inability to connect on crosses was remarkably inept.

With that stated, the day’s main talking centered on Robin van Persie (9.0). It was too much to expect SAF to start the Dutchie; however, aside from a neat pass in Kagawa’s direction, RvP’s 22 minutes were benign. Provided he stays uncharacteristically healthy the entire campaign, he will produce big time fantasy points but there is the matter of another forward by the name of Rooney (9.0).
Do you want to commit 18 million for players on the same team at that position? How many multiple goal-scoring games will they have together? And is Rooney anywhere near the performer he was last season?

One match does not shape Wayne Rooney’s Premier League season or Manchester United’s; however, it would help if Number 10 were able to round into shape. Before the hour mark against Everton, Rooney looked gassed, not to mention a bit puffy and seemingly was carrying perhaps a stone’s worth of excess flab. His three-point production was a major disappointment for fantasy managers.

A bright spot for Man Yoo was newcomer Kagawa (7.5). He should have had at least one assist on a ball that Rooney could not handle and he looked very comfortable and looked for team-mates the entire match. If anything, he was too unselfish and should look for more shots. He will be one of the stars of the season.

Other Man Yoo players are in a mixed bag of considerations. Remember, it is better to have lesser players who are in Premier League line-ups consistently than to have rising stars or out-of-form or over-the-hill guys who gather splinters on the bench or don’t make the 16-man game-day list. Ashley Young (7.9), Anderson (5.8), Giggs (6.4), Rafael (6.7), Chicharito (7.4), Berbatov (6.8), Macheda (5.9), Bebe (5.5), and Scott Wootton, on the bench and not listed in the fantasy roster, all are shaky picks.

Scholes (6.4) gives good value; however, his yellow-card-waiting-to-happen makes him a risk. Welbeck (7.2) is now in the shuffle with RvP.

Watching all of the turmoil in front of him is De Gea (7.5) who needs a bit more flesh on his bones, but has become a reliable keeper of the onion bag and a good fantasy pick.

Friday, I’ll comment on fantasy results from Week 1 and look ahead to Week 2 fantasy matchups. Until then I remain,

Yours faithfully, Sir John

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