History to encourage defeated Manchester United in title pursuit
Published:Manchester United endured a disappointing start to their Premier League campaign, but the Red Devils still remain 2/1 second-favourites for title success.
United were bested 1-0 by a resolute Everton side at Goodison Park, in what was arguably the biggest upset of English football’s opening round of league fixtures this week.
A discouraging statistic for Red Devils backers meanwhile, is that only twice in the Premier League’s 20-year history has a side lost their first game before eventually topping the table.
However, United were the team to achieve this feat on both occasions, signifying that the title is not beyond them again this season.
Indeed, there were encouraging points from United’s opening game, not least the performance of Shinji Kagawa, who bedded into the side seamlessly.
Sir Alex Ferguson will also welcome the eventual return to full fitness of Robin Van Persie, who was afforded only 20 minutes on his debut.
Fulham are the next challenge for Sir Alex’s side, and the Cottagers will travel to Old Trafford on Saturday in buoyant mood after a 5-0 opening-day win over Norwich.
The Red Devils are heavily favoured to triumph though, priced at 2/9 to best the London outfit at home for the ninth consecutive time.
Victory in that match would put United back on track for the coming campaign, and it is worth noting they have lost only one opening home game in 20 years.
That loss did in fact come in the inaugural Premier League season, when the Red Devils went on to lift the title regardless.
Only two home defeats last season also suggest a United triumph is imminent this weekend, and many more look set to come over the course of the season.
All things considered, United backers certainly shouldn’t panic, and at 2/1, punters will get a good run for their money when favouring Sir Alex’s men to lift another Premier League trophy.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
