With the news that both Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo are set to sit out the first few weeks of the season, there are some punters going cool on Manchester United’s title chances.
Doubters of the Red Devils point to the importance that Ronaldo’s goals played in last season’s title charge – many of which were set up by Rooney.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson looks to be down to the bare bones of his squad, with only Carlos Tevez, Louis Saha and novice Fraizer Campbell to lead the line.
But the fact remains that United are notorious for their slow starts at the best of times.
Who could have predicted that they would only bank two points from their opening three fixtures last season? Games against Reading, Portsmouth and Manchester City can’t have held too many fears for Untied last term.
Rather than be wary about United’s hopes of retaining their title, punters should view any slow start as an opportunity to back Ferguson’s side at a better price.
A sluggish beginning, coupled with heavy early points hauls for any of United’s chief rivals – Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool – will see United’s odds drift. If that scenario should arise, get stuck into the Premiership Champions as over the course of a season they will have too much strength for their challengers.
Luiz Scolari will take a season to bed in at Chelsea, serious questions have to be asked about William Gallas’s leadership of Arsenal and Liverpool are still not the finished article under Rafael Benitez.
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