Title odds cut as Manchester United’s youngsters turn on the style
Published:Manchester United have been cut to 5/4 in the Premier League betting to win the title after a youthful looking team performed with style, poise and energy against Tottenham to show they will be no weak links when the title race hots up.
Although Sir Alex Ferguson will be pleased with the 3-0 victory over one of his outside title rivals, it will be the manner of the performance at Old Trafford that will bring the biggest smile to his face.
Despite the game being so early into the new season, it was considered before kick-off to be an acid test for Manchester United, primarily with regular central defensive pairing Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand both out, while David De Gea had a point to prove in goal.
The average age of the Manchester United starting line-up may have only been 23, but in hindsight it is tough to see what all the pre-match fuss was about.
Phil Jones looked impressive in defence, Tom Cleverley showed some class in the midfield and Danny Welbeck scored one and made another for Anderson with an exquisite back-heel.
Throw in the added variety of Ashley Young, the growing stature of Anderson and the return to form of both Nani and Wayne Rooney and it is hard to fault Manchester United domestically.
De Gea still had the odd shaky moments, but his distribution looks a big asset, while he certainly lacks nothing in confidence.
Whether this young team has the necessary experience to shine in the Champions League against the best opposition remains to be seen, but they should certainly have little trouble holding their own in the Premier League when called upon.
Despite the manner of the Manchester United victory, Chelsea’s odds to win the Premier League remain unchanged at 11/4, with Manchester City priced at 3/1 in what is already considered to be a three-horse race.
