Manchester United
Under the guidance of Casey Stoney, Manchester United embark on their second season in the top tier. An impressive 4th placed finish on their debut WSL campaign caught the eyes, and with fans, high expectations and support, United will be hoping to repeat this feat and challenge for the top three this time around.
Captain Katie Zelem was the highest ShePlays fantasy points scorer last season with 137 (read more below), while Lauren James was the highest league goal scorer with six goals (again more below). It was a disappointing showing in attack however with Jess Sigsworth (2), Jane Ross (1) and Ella Toone (1) struggling for goals and failing to nail down the central striker position. On the flanks, Kirsty Hanson (3) and Leah Galton (4) fared better.
With Stoney, in need of goals transfer rumours surrounding United have been a plenty with many stars of the game linked with a move. At the time of writing however, United had confirmed the signings of defender Ona Batlle, young forward Ivana Fuso and England international midfielder Lucy Staniforth.
Leaving the club were goalkeepers Aurora Mikalsen and Siobhan Chamberlain, midfielders Aimee Palmer and Mollie Green and forward Lizzie Arnot. Young goalkeeper Fran Bentley also made a loan switch to Championship side Blackburn Rovers, so although available for fantasy selction will not score points throughout the season.
During pre-season, United have been quiet about their results and have kept most things private. They did beat Glasgow City 4-0 however with Toone, Sigsworth (2) and Hanson on the scoresheet and were held to a goalless draw with Liverpool. Promising signs for the defence, with two clean sheets. Fantasy managers looking for a budget forward may be tempted by Kirsty Hanson or Ella Toone with both priced at £20,000, but eyes need to be kept on any incomings in this position. Hayley Ladd also featured in every game last season and is priced at £22,500 in midfield.
Manchester United face a tough opening fixture with 2019/20 WSL Champions, Chelsea the visitors to Leigh Sports Village. In round two, they face a trip to Birmingham City.
New arrival, Lucy Staniforth will miss both of the opening two fixtures serving the remainder of a suspension, after a dismissal at the conclusion of the 2019/20 season while playing for Birmingham.
Below we take a look at three players that could be influential in Manchester United’s quest for the top three:
Star of the Show: Katie Zelem – MF – £40,000 – 137 points during the 2019/20 campaign
Man United’s captain, Katie Zelem shone throughout the 2019/20 campaign. Starting 13 of the 14 games and coming off the bench for the other, Zelem scored five goals, the second highest, one behind Lauren James. She was the highest appearance maker in all competitions last season for the Red Devils and is likely to feature heavily again. After an impressive debut season in the top tier, Zelem will be looking to push on in search of a place in the England squad. A price increase from £27,500 to £40,000 is no surprise after Zelem scored 137 points last season, the highest of all United players.
New Arrival: Ivana Fuso – FW – £27,500
With key signing Lucy Staniforth suspended for the opening game, we focus on another of United’s summer signings in forward, Ivana Fuso. The 19-year-old arrived in Manchester from FC Basel and United fans are holding out high hopes. United have been short of goals in attack with Jane Ross and Jess Sigsworth netting only three league goals between them last year. Fuso arrives to fill the void but with big expectations on young shoulders has a lot to live up to. It may take the Brazilian born German some time to settle with the need to improve her English after doing official interviews in Portuguese. A £27,500 price suggests that expectation is high but only time will tell, with a tough start against Chelsea an immediate challenge.
Kid on the Block: Lauren James – MF – £27,500 – 18 years old
We try to focus on cheap (15-20k) alternative players in this section but it’s hard to avoid exciting 18-year-old, Lauren James. The midfielder who can also play up front was the top league goal scorer for United last season scoring 94 ShePlays points in the process. Scoring six goals in nine starts, before facing injury James has to be considered as a midfield option. Her tender age can be a concern though with recurring injury and a lack of discipline leading to a suspension being negative traits during last season.
Follow @etiawneb on Twitter to keep up with updates throughout the season.
The graphic featured is an opinion of a likely lineup and does not reflect the likelihood of this being correct on Sunday.