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Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Season 2024/25 – Gameweek 1

Manchester United kicked off their Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fulham, thanks to a late goal from Joshua Zirkzee. While the win provides a promising start to Erik ten Hag’, the performance left much to be desired, echoing some of the struggles from last season.

As United fans revel in the excitement of new signings and a clean sheet, FPL managers are left wondering which Red Devils might be worth investing in for the weeks ahead. This post dives into the match’s key moments and their implications for your FPL strategy.

Match Review

Manchester United’s narrow 1-0 win over Fulham in Gameweek 1 was far from convincing. The match showcased the highs and lows of a team still finding its feet. United dominated possession but struggled to break down a well-organized Fulham defense.

Zirkzee’s Late Heroics

The game’s decisive moment came in the 87th minute. Joshua Zirkzee, United’s new Dutch striker, made a dream debut by scoring the only goal of the match. He combined with Alejandro Garnacho, another substitute, to slot the ball past Fulham’s goalkeeper, Bernd Leno.

It was a moment of clinical finishing, something United has lacked in recent seasons. Zirkzee’s goal brought much-needed relief to Erik ten Hag and the Old Trafford faithful.

The timing of the goal continued the trend of late winners in this fixture, making it the fourth time in five meetings that the deciding goal was scored in the final 5 minutes.

United’s Struggles in Attack

Despite the win, United’s attack left much to be desired. Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount missed several clear chances, with Leno making crucial saves to keep Fulham in the game.

United’s inability to convert these opportunities into goals highlighted a lingering issue from last season. They scored only 57 league goals in the previous campaign, and this match suggested that finishing remains a problem.

Defensive Solidity

On the positive side, United’s defense looked solid. Lisandro Martínez and Harry Maguire made key interventions to deny Fulham’s chances. New signing Noussair Mazraoui also impressed on his debut, adding much-needed stability to the backline.

André Onana had a relatively quiet night but was called into action to make a few important saves. Fulham’s Adama Traoré and Rodrigo Muniz posed a threat on the counter, but United’s defense held firm.

In the end, while United walked away with three points, it was clear that there’s still work to be done. The team will need to find more consistency in attack and maintain their defensive discipline as the season progresses.

FPL Implications

Joshua Zirkzee: A Potential FPL Gem?

Joshua Zirkzee’s goal has certainly caught the attention of FPL managers. Scoring in your first Premier League match is no small feat. His ability to find the back of the net under pressure suggests he could be a valuable differential pick.

Zirkzee might become a very nice budget striker priced at 7.0m, but we need to see more from him in terms of minutes and starts first. Keep an eye on him in the coming weeks.

Should You Trust Bruno Fernandes?

Bruno Fernandes had opportunities to score but couldn’t convert. This might worry FPL managers who already own him. However, Fernandes is a proven performer, so keep him for a couple more gameweeks before deciding to sell.

If you don’t own him, It might be too early to jump ship, but his form is definitely something to monitor closely. If he starts finding his rhythm, he’ll be an essential FPL asset.

United’s Defense: A Source of Clean Sheets?

Manchester United kept a clean sheet, which is always good news for FPL managers with United defenders. Lisandro Martínez was solid, and new boy Noussair Mazraoui looked promising.

If United can maintain this level of defensive stability, their defenders, including goalkeeper André Onana, could rack up clean sheet points. Consider these players if you’re looking to shore up your defense.

Fulham’s Threats: Worth Considering?

Fulham might have lost, but they showed they can cause problems for any team. If Fulham can create more chances, their attackers might become valuable assets in the future. For now, they’re a wait-and-see.

In summary, while United’s win wasn’t flawless, it did provide some clear FPL pointers. Zirkzee is one to watch, Fernandes needs to step up, and United’s defense looks promising. Keep these insights in mind as you plan your transfers for the upcoming gameweeks.

Conclusion

Manchester United’s narrow victory over Fulham has given us a lot to think about in terms of FPL strategy. Joshua Zirkzee’s impressive debut makes him a player to watch, especially if he continues to find the net. Bruno Fernandes while missing key chances, still has the potential to deliver big points. United’s defense, anchored by Lisandro Martínez and boosted by new signings, looks solid and could provide consistent clean sheet points.

To stay ahead in FPL, it’s crucial to keep monitoring these performances. The We Play FPL app is your best friend for transfer planning, comparing players, and making informed decisions. Download it today to optimize your team and stay on top of your game.

May your arrows be green, and your captaincy choices be spot on. Until next time, happy managing!