The Scout assesses the opening player prices in 2021/22 Fantasy Premier League and their implications.
Fernandes hike
Bruno Fernandes will now cost managers £12.0m after finishing as the top-scoring player in Fantasy last season.
Manchester United’s playmaker combined 18 goals and 14 assists with 36 bonus points, totalling 244 points.
Fernandes goal v Everton
Fernandes has risen £1.5m in price from the start of last term and is now among the most expensive players in the game.
Indeed, only Mohamed Salah and Harry Kane will cost more so far, at £12.5m apiece.
See: All Man Utd's player prices
Despite his premium value, Man Utd's early schedule suggests Fernandes will continue to be popular.
The Red Devils face only one of last season’s top six sides in their first seven matches, visiting West Ham United in Gameweek 5.
Midfield options
Marcus Rashford (£9.5m) and Mason Greenwood (£7.5m) both remain as midfielders.
Greenwood could provide strong value from the outset if he can mirror his end-of-season form from 2020/21.
He scored six of his seven goals for the campaign, and supplied one of his two assists, in his final eight outings.
Greenwood scores v Villa
At the back, Luke Shaw (£5.5m) could also prove a big draw early on, given his potential for points at both ends of the pitch.
The left-back created 72 chances in 2020/21, second only to the 77 of Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m) among defenders.
Meanwhile, Dean Henderson (£5.0m) started 10 of Man Utd’s final 12 matches last season and could offer the cheapest route into their rearguard.
Also in this series
Part 1: 2021/22 FPL player price reveal
Part 2: Aubameyang now cheaper as a forward
Part 3: Dallas value affected by midfielder status
Part 4: Sanchez can emerge as No 1 pick in goal
Part 5: Salah and Kane given equal billing
Part 6: West Ham offer value at both ends
Part 8: Grealish and Toney to attract interest
Part 9: Everton stars look tempting for early fixtures
Part 10: Back cheaper Iheanacho over Vardy?
Part 11: Wilson has early appeal
Part 12: De Bruyne given highest-ever starting value