United are 1.17 shots with bet365 and Betfred to beat Reading at Old Trafford and look worthy odds-on shots to do so.
They weren’t at their best when spurning a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in the FA Cup last week, but they didn’t lose despite playing well below their best and I get the feeling that Reading will feel the backlash in this.
Sir Alex is sure to have had some strong words for his players after last week’s performance, and history shows that they usually respond.
In Reading they face a side who are currently manager-less, and this is a daunting task which faces likely temporary manager Eamonn Dolan given their current state of form.
They are now on the longest current run of consecutive defeats (4) and an on-song United will surely tear them apart.
Robin van Persie heads the first goalscorer betting at a top priced 3.75 with bet365, but his conversion rate in the last 9 games in all competitions has been just 5% compared to 27% in the 28 games prior.
That makes him look poor value in my eyes, and Nani is the player that stands out as a bit of value.
He has a point to prove at present, and got on the scoresheet the last time the two sides met.
At 9 with Ladbrokes to net the opener and 3.5 with the same to score anytime he looks worth a wager in a game which United are expected to dominate and attack relentlessly from the off.
Another solid bet looks to be over 2.5 goals at 1.36 with Betfred and Blue Square given that the last two games between the dup have resulted in 10 goals, and I also fancy United to win this to nil at odds of 1.95 with Ladbrokes.
In the correct score market I like the look of a 4-0 win for United at the 10 on offer with Ladbrokes.
