Season points trading on Manchester United
IT IS possible bookmakers have over-reacted to the appointment of Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford and his new club’s pre-season form. Sporting Index traders have made Manchester United joint-third favourites with Arsenal on the Championship 60 Index and have pitched their season points at 75.5-77 – despite the team picking up just 64 last term.
Much has been made of the signings of Ander Herrera, who’s looked good in United’s summer friendlies, and £32m left-back Luke Shaw. Combined with Wayne Rooney’s blistering form in America, and the return of Darren Fletcher from serious illness, the Red Devils faithful are dreaming of a 14th Premier League title.
Van Gaal could hardly have hoped for an easier opening run of fixtures. His men take on Swansea, Sunderland, Burnley, Queens Park Rangers, Leicester and West Ham in their first six league games. Throw in a League Cup tie versus MK Dons and it is entirely possible United could line up at home to Everton on 5 October on a seven-match winning run.
Their season points spread will only rise if they take advantage of those winnable games and, with their main rivals ─ particularly Manchester City ─ having a tough start to the campaign, there is value in buying United’s points at 77.
You should get the opportunity to cash out for a decent profit before having to worry about how United’s defensive frailties will shape up against bigger names. They haven’t replaced Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic, and a wing-back system using Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans hardly inspires much confidence.