Manchester United remain huge betting underdogs to win UEFA Champions League despite heroics against Copenhagen
Despite surviving a late scare in their UEFA Champions League victory over FC Copenhagen earlier this week, Manchester United remain massive outright betting favorites to win a fourth European Cup, as they look to qualify ahead of a pacesetting, Bayern Munich, and Galatasaray.
United, under the tutelage of Dutch head coach, Erik ten Hag, turned in their first UEFA Champions League win of the season earlier this week, landing a close, 1-0 win over Danish side, FC Copenhagen, to secure their fourth point from a possible nine.
However, it was far from entirely plain sailing for the Old Trafford side, with unlikeliest of heroes, Harry Maguire heading home from close range in the second half to break the deadlock, amid a season of uncertainty for the England national team captain.
Riding out a one-nil lead into the dying minutes of their clash with FC Copenghagen, another receive performer, Scott McTominay gave away a contentious penalty kick – for the second match running.
Manchester United massive betting underdog to lift European Cup
And offered the opportunity to put prior seasons’ woes to the back of fan’s minds with the last kick of the game, Cameroonian goalkeeper, Andre Onana kept out Jordan Larsson’s spot kick – resulting in a massive ovation from the Stretford End, as United secured three points for the first time in Europe this season.
However, despite their exploits and winning return this week, United are still placed as high as 40/1 on many markets offering Champions League 23/24 betting – to win the European Cup for a fourth time in their illustrious history.
Returning to Premier League action this weekend, United welcome cross city rivals, City to Old Trafford for the first Manchester Derby of the season – attempting to keep their winning run afloat against a surprisingly faltering Pep Guardiola side.
And despite a recent run of form with wins against Brentford and an away success to Sheffield United last weekend, United face a Derby outing potentially without Brazilian midfield technican and holding ace, Casemiro, as well as full back talent, Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
With no further developments on the ongoing situation regarding English winger, Jadon Sancho amid continued links to an impending exit from United in the January transfer window, the return of Antony in recent weeks will likely see the Brazilian partner with Portuguese wing back Diogo Dalot, as the duo face a potential onslaught from Josko Gvardiol, and either Jack Grealish, or summer arrival, Jeremy Doku.
Amassing more minutes up top in what has been a natural for him so far this season, Danish forward, Rasmus Hojlund was substituted for French forward, Anthony Martial in the remaining minutes of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Copenhagen, the former is expected to appear in the starting lineup once more under ten Hag – who faces a massive challenge against Guardiola this weekend.
Struggling so far to keep pace with a fleeting Ange Postecoglu-led Tottenham Hotspur, the London side extended their lead atop the Premier League table last night in an all-London clash with Crystal Palace, turning in a 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park.