Manchester United open as betting favorites ahead of Nottingham Forest clash after rallying 3-2 win
Forced to fight back against Unai Emery’s high-flying Aston Villa midweek after a torrid pre-Christmas performance at West Ham, Manchester United are currently betting favorite to escape from the City Ground this weekend with a victory over Nottingham Forest – who have just appointed Portuguese coach, Nuno Espirito Santo.
Returning to Old Trafford overnight against Spanish head coach, Emery’s Villa side who topped the Premier League table this month amid another hugely impressive first half to the campaign, a memorable fight back performance spared the side and manager, Erik ten Hag’s blushes for yet another time this season.
Heading into half time 2-nil down at home, Manchester United concerned two disastrous goals from set pieces, with Scottish midfielder, John McGinn’s in-swinging free kick going all the way through past Andre Onana.
And before 45 minutes, the Cameroonian was beaten at close range again, with Leandro Dendoncker flicking past the former Ajax and Inter Milan shot stopper to stun the Old Trafford side.
Manchester United betting favorites to beat Nottingham Forest
Fighting back in the second half, a spirited performance see Manchester United enter this weekend’s trip to Nottingham to take on Forest as betting favorites. If punters and bettors are interested in betting on United’s final match of 2023, Betpack are currently taking bets on the Premier League reverse – following a prior win for United against the then-Steve Cooper led side back in August.
Rallying from early goals from both Taiwo Awoniyi and Willy Bolly at home against Forest earlier this season, United turned the tide in the second half against Villa on Boxing Day – with a double-salvo from Argentine winger, Alejandro Garnacho to draw the game level with 20 minutes remaining, offering up a tense conclusion to a back-and-forth boxing match of a game.
And it was United who ultimately prevailed through a quickfire volley from Danish forward, Rasmus Højlund – who exorcised some demons with his first Premier League goal of the season, as he approached over 1,000 of domestic football without a goal – following an impressive return in the UEFA Champions League group stage.
Slumping before Christmas following a contentious red card awarded to the above-mentioned, Boly, Nottingham Forest were put to the sword by Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth side, with former Chelsea and Liverpool forward, Dominic Solanke continuing his goal scoring form with a late hattrick at the City Ground.
Travelling to Tyneside yesterday against Newcastle United, a Boxing Day superb from former Magpie forward, Chris Wood – who netted at hattrick at St. James’ Park was enough to guarantee all three points for a visiting Espirito Santo side, after an Alexander Isak spot kick.
Sat five points away from Tottenham Hotspur and then six away from rivals, Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League race, a travelling victory for Manchester United at the City Ground would spearhead a 2024 top-four race for the Old Trafford side – who recently confirmed the 25% purchase of the club by INEOS founder, British billionaire, Sir Jim Ratcliffe – prior to their fight back performance and win against Aston Villa yesterday.
Who wins this weekend: Nottingham Forest or Manchester United?
