A palpable buzz around Fantasy Premier League continues to grow with the game having officially released its updated version for the 2022/23 season. With fans looking forward to their respective teams’ pre-season fixtures whilst anticipating the arrivals of several talents alongside catching a glimpse of newer additions before the start of the campaign, FPL managers have already begun creating their first drafts as they look forward to locking a formidable team on road to the first game-week of the new season.
An underwhelming campaign saw Manchester United finish with their worst ever points tally (58 pts.) in the Premier League era last season. Since, having appointed Erik Ten Hag as the club’s manager, the Red Devils retain several exciting assets moving into the campaign, although there remains an element of risk considering the team’s inconsistency in recent campaigns.
Cristiano Ronaldo (£10.5m) emerges as the most expensive of United’s assets, with his fellow countryman Bruno Fernandes (£10.0m). Jadon Sancho (£7.5m), Marcus Rashford (£6.5m), and Christian Eriksen (£6.5) establish themselves as an exciting feasible option in the midfield department while the likes of Anthony Martial (£7.0m) Diogo Dalot (£4.5m) and Tyrell Malacia (£4.5m) emerge as feasible assets within their price bracket.
With prices of every registered player having been revealed following the official release, the upcoming campaign is expected to continue delivering intriguing competitions for places across the board. However, while most managers are likely to contemplate drafting in the most noticeable names, the focus for seasoned managers, as ever, remains on drafting in understated assets capable of delivering sustainable points over the course of the upcoming season.
DIOGO DALOT (DEF, £4.5)
Expected to be Man United’s starting right-back under Ten Hag, Diogo Dalot could emerge as a reliable asset moving into the season. Having shown glimpses of potential last season, the 23-year-old is capable of significantly improving his tally of contributions in the upcoming campaign.
Although not boasting the most impressive numbers amongst full-backs last season, Ten Hag’s arrival could see Dalot improve his attacking output over the course of the upcoming campaign. Having contributed with five clean sheets last season, the full-back is likely to not only improve on the same but could also witness a rise in his goal contributions this season.
Provided Dalot nails down a starting spot, the full-back could emerge as a bargain within his price bracket. Nevertheless, yet to deliver consistent performances, the 23-year-old retains an element of risk compared to other assets within his price bracket.
MARCUS RASHFORD (MID, £6.5)
Amongst Manchester United’s underperforming players last season, Rashford will be expected to significantly improve his overall game provided he is to cement his place as a regular starter this season. Having shown bits of improvement during pre-season, the winger will be keen on delivering notable performances under Ten Hag.
Contributing only four goals and two assists, Rashford remained an apathetic figure on the pitch last season. However, with Ten Hag likely having been tasked with improving his performances, the England international is expected to receive adequate game-time during the upcoming season. Besides, with the team short on reliable backup options across the forward line, Rashford will be hoping to nail down a starting spot this campaign.
Provided the winger succeeds in improving his contributions on the pitch, Rashford could emerge as a substantial prospect within his price bracket. However, yet to prove otherwise, the winger remains a differential moving into the season.
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN (MID, £6.5)
Amongst the most exciting arrivals at Old Trafford this summer, Eriksen establishes himself as a reliable option moving into the season. Having been amongst Brentford’s most impactful players during the second half of last season, the Danish international will be keen on cementing a first-team spot at Man United.
Registering the highest number of expected assists (0.34xA) at Brentford last season, Eriksen finished with an impressive one goal and four assists. Moreover, having stood third for passes completed into the final third (75) alongside ranking the same for goal-creating actions (7) despite playing in a deeper role for the Bees last season, Eriksen could emerge as a valuable asset, provided he receives adequate game-time moving into the new campaign.
Having helped Brentford significantly improve their goal difference following his arrival in January, Eriksen cements himself as a valuable prospect in the midfield department. Provided the Danish international nails down a first-team spot under Ten Hag, Eriksen has the potential to deliver superior returns compared to other options within his price bracket.
JADON SANCHO (MID, £7.5)
Amongst a handful of players expected to improve their output under Ten Hag, Jadon Sancho emerges as a tempting prospect moving into the season. Having delivered promising pre-season displays hitherto, the youngster will be keen on cementing his spot in the starting line-up at the start of the new campaign.
Contributing three goals and four assists last season, Sancho remained amongst Manchester United’s underperforming players, last season. However, with Ten Hag likely to maximise his potential, the England international is expected to cement himself as a core part of the Dutchman’s attacking philosophies moving into the season. Moreover, despite witnessing an inconsistent campaign, the winger remained amongst the team’s most creative figures; registering the second-highest number of shot-creating actions (82) and passes completed into the 18-yard-box (36) whilst accounting for the highest number of carries (52) into the same area of the pitch last season.
Having been amongst the team’s most exciting players during pre-season hitherto, Sancho will be hoping to significantly improve his goal contributions next season. With Man United unlikely to sign a forward, Sancho is set to be a first-team regular at the start of the campaign.
