Predicting Man United’s top assisters: Betting on playmakers’ performances

Manchester United’s underwhelming start to the 2024/25 Premier League season has left a gloomy cloud hanging over Old Trafford.

The Red Devils are 12th after 12 games and although they are only six points behind the top four, it would be a brave move to wager on them qualifying for the Champions League.

However, punters looking for bet ideas for the rest of United’s fixtures this season would be well-advised to check out the assists market. Sites like BetIdeas use AI to provide the most up-to-date and accurate football betting tips. 

A quick look at the latest statistics for this metric paints a sorry picture, but also potentially highlights how bettors can cash in during the rest of the campaign.

• Bruno Fernandes – 3  
• Amad Diallo – 3  
• Diogo Dalot – 1  
• Alejandro Garnacho – 1  
• Noussair Mazraoui – 1  
• Marcus Rashford – 1  
• Joshua Zirkzee – 1

United’s tally of 13 goals after 12 games is the fourth-lowest tally in the Premier League. Only Everton (10), Crystal Palace (10) and Southampton (9) have scored fewer goals.

Despite this, the Red Devils’ top playmakers can be expected to step things up during the rest of the campaign under new manager Ruben Amorim.

The former Sporting CP boss worked wonders with the Portuguese club, moulding them into a potent attacking force with his favoured 3-4-3 system.

Several players will likely flourish under Amorim including Bruno Fernandes, who has largely struggled to produce his best form for United this season.

The Portugal international is looking forward to working with Amorim and has backed him to be a massive success with the Red Devils.

“We hope that he can come and this is the right moment for him to come and bring his energy, bring his qualities and his knowledge of football, because he’s done something really, really special at Sporting,” Fernandes told MUTV.

“If someone doubts that, it’s about just looking at the past. Sporting was to be about 20 years without winning the league and he got back to win the league, and he won it two times in four years with a really youthful team, in a moment of change.

“So hopefully he can do the same here for us and [hopefully] it’s going to be a successful time for all of us. But obviously you can’t bring or transform what he has done at Sporting into here, because you have different players, you have different ways of play and everything.

“I’m pretty sure that the idea of football he has, independent of the way he wants to play, is going to be a good one and it’s going to bring us success. That’s what I hope and I’m pretty sure that (is what) he hopes too.”

While Fernandes has not been at his brilliant best for United this season, working with Amorim will likely result in him rediscovering his best form.

His tally of 83 goals and 73 assists in 250 appearances highlights his importance to the club, and he is a good bet to significantly add to his tally during the rest of the season.

Fernandes is unlikely to be alone in enjoying a resurgence under Amorim, with several other attacking players expected to flourish in his system.

Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford have each notched just one assist this term but should be far more productive once they get to grips with Amorim’s style.

Mason Mount could also be worth following in the assists market after reportedly being earmarked for a key role under the new manager.

Mount bagged 33 goals and 35 assists in 195 appearances for Chelsea but has not come close to replicating those numbers with the Red Devils.

The former Chelsea star has failed to live up to expectations with United, but Amorim believes he can play a pivotal role in his tactical system.

The Portuguese manager favours technical players who excel with the ball at their feet and are willing to work relentlessly off it.

Mount will have the chance to demonstrate he fits that description but must focus on maintaining his fitness over an extended period.

While the midfielder has a big job to turn his fortunes around, working under Amorim could be the spark he needs to revive his career.

Mount and several of his teammates will be excited at what the future holds for them, and this mentality can pay dividends to sports bettors who wager in the assists market.

Sporting were renowned for creating an abundance of chances under Amorim and his set-up looks tailor-made for the players he will have at his disposal.

If they buy into his methods, the 2024/25 season could still be productive for the club.