Are Manchester United Genuine Title Contenders?

Manchester United Man United
Manchester United

Having suffered some humiliating defeats at the hands of their biggest rivals, Manchester United would have been delighted to have overcome Manchester City. United’s 2-1 victory on January 14th, left them just a point behind their main rivals in the battle for the Premier League title.

The Red Devils are on course to hit their minimum target of a top four finish and a place in next season’s Champions League. But just how far can this Manchester United team go?

A Season of Two Halves

United’s season may be defined by the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. After a poor start to the campaign, Erik Ten Hag’s men have climbed the table and are now looking to secure that top four place.

Some have argued that the team’s response began when Ronaldo began to be eased out of the starting lineup. Results have steadily improved and United have continued to impress since CR7’s contract was terminated by mutual consent.

Following the World Cup break, the team has won all six of their fixtures, in the Premier League and in the FA Cup, and they are one of the division’s form sides.

As it Stands

That victory over Manchester City left Ten Hag’s Manchester United in fourth place in the Premier League, level on points with Newcastle United. The Red Devils are just one position below City, but could they climb even further and overtake Arsenal at the very top?

The independent verdict doesn’t offer too much encouragement. The Gunners are odds on favourites to claim the Premier League title, while Manchester City are second in the markets, despite losing two of their last six games.

Manchester United are in a distant third while Newcastle United follow in fourth. Odds for all English Premier League markets are supplied by the top betting sites as sourced by SBO.net.

Teams have only just reached the halfway point in the season, so there is scope for movements in the table. The betting markets will adjust accordingly and any changes will be reflected on that SBO website.

Visitors can also digest news and opinion stories along with supporting information such as useful betting guides. If they feel the time is right to make a move, all sports betting operators on the panel will be able to accept new customers.

Upon completion of a fast and secure online form, many of those sportsbooks will publish a generous welcome package. A set of different funding providers can look to cover qualifying bets, while customer services can help out if needed.

Those who choose to continue playing may seek out other benefits. In-play markets and mobile apps should be in place, while live streaming services are often available for those who maintain funded accounts.

It’s a one-stop shop for all football betting, but can Manchester United upset those markets?

January Dealings in Prospect?

Like all clubs, Manchester United have the opportunity to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window. Across Europe, the market is open for business and there may be some serious talent available.

One reported target is Napoli’s Nigerian international striker Victor Osimhen. The 24-year-old has been prolific as his Italian side look to close in on their first Serie A title in more than 30 years.

Osimhen has been linked with both Manchester United and Liverpool, but he’s insisted that he wants to stay with Napoli. The lure of a winner’s medal in Italy may prove too hard to turn down, but the Nigerian forward may subsequently become available at the end of the season.

In the interim, Manchester United have made a move to sign the Dutch striker Wout Weghorst. The 30-year-old joins on loan from Burnley after cutting short a similar temporary deal with Turkish side Besiktas.

Red Devils fans may be a little concerned about the news. Weghorst scored just two goals in 20 league appearances for Burnley last season, but he has been in better form for Besiktas. Manager Erik Ten Hag will know the player well from his time in the Netherlands and the supporters will have to trust his judgement.

In reality, Manchester United will have to focus on securing a top four finish. The chances of a title win this season are slim, but the future at Old Trafford appears to be much brighter.