Why it’s risky backing Man Utd as heavy Europa League favourites
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England have had just one winner of the Europa League in the last 15 years, but should be confident of doubling their tally if the betting for this year’s competition is anything to go by.
Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United are runaway favourites to add their name to Chelsea’s on the trophy, at a price of 6/1.
With Roma their closest competitors in the market at 10s, it’s clear that the Red Devils are well fancied to stroll to success in Sweden come May.
However, there is no telling how seriously the Portuguese boss will take the competition, given that there looks to be an almighty struggle underway for the Premier League title.
The Old Trafford giants have also been handed one of the tougher groups in the first stage proper, with Fenerbahce and Feyenoord joining them in Group A alongside Ukrainian minnows Zorya Luhansk.
Both of the former outfits have the capacity to trip United up, especially if Mourinho opts to put the customary Europa League rotation policy in place.
Also judging by the betting, Southampton have little chance of making an impression on the continent.
The south-coast club are rated at 28/1 to win the tournament and 9/5 to finish top of Group K, which also contains Inter Milan, Sparta Prague and Hapoel Beer Sheva.
Despite offering the victorious side an automatic route into the following season’s Champions League, this competition is rarely regarded as a top priority.
Only Sevilla, who have won the last three editions, appear to have a real interest in the tournament and they won’t be in this year’s version unless they finish third in their Champions League group.
West Ham, who were knocked out in the qualifying section after playing a rotated side for the second year running, optimise the attitude towards the competition these days, so it would be a risky strategy to expect United to go all out to claim the trophy.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
