Right Said Fred: Talking Betting With BetFred Boss Fred Done

One thing I’ve learnt about my beloved United over the years is that we never do things the easy way.

It’s fair to say I wasn’t feeling particularly optimistic when we went into the half-time break 2-0 down against Southampton on Sunday, but I was chuffed with that spirted comeback, spearheaded by super sub Edinson Cavani, which meant we left St. Mary’s with a vital three points.

The 33-year-old summer signing, which I admit I questioned strongly at the time, made the world of difference, assisting Bruno for United’s first before bagging himself a brace – the winner coming as late as injury time.

It reminded me of the United of yesteryear, showing that never say die attitude that we become world renowned for during Sir Alex’s tenure.

That was a brilliant and much-needed result which lifts us up to 7^th in the Premier League table, five points off Tottenham and Liverpool at the top with a game in hand.

United have been cut to 20/1 at Betfred to win the title, which dare I say is tempting, providing the Reds could be just two points adrift of the summit if they win their game in hand.

However, if we’re to have lofty ambitions like challenging for the title, we desperately have to find some consistency – most importantly at home, where we’ve been way below par this season.

Our winning streak on the road extended to a club record eight games after Sunday’s win, but we’ve still only won one league game at Old Trafford so far this campaign.

Attentions switch to Europe this week, with Paris Saint-Germain in town for the penultimate group tie in the Champions League.

The Reds currently sit top of Group H ahead of matchday five and all we need to do is avoid defeat against the French giants, and our place in the last 16 is all but guaranteed.

At Betfred, we’re 9/5 for a United win, 29/20 for a PSG win, and the draw 5/2.

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City side look to be back on track after an emphatic 5-0 thrashing of Burnley last weekend. 

The Blues are into 2/1 at Betfred to be crowned Premier League champions again, just behind current holders Liverpool who remain favourites despite having drifted to 7/4 following their draw to Brighton.

Riyad Mahrez, in particular, was outstanding for City, grabbing himself a hat-trick and once again reminding me why United should have gone in for his signature when he was leaving Leicester City.

However, surely Mr. Guardiola’s eye will be firmly on lifting the Champions League this season, and with Betfred they are 9/2 second favourites to win it all, behind current holders Bayern Munich at 11/4.

United are 20/1 to win their fourth Champions League – which again is tempting given our outstanding performances, for the most part, in Europe so far this season.

Meanwhile, on the rugby league front, what a fantastic advert for our great sport that enthralling Betfred Super League Grand Final was!

 That’s got to be up there as one of the best and most dramatic Grand Finals of all time.

I was chuffed to see the reaction it received on social media afterwards, with plenty of eulogising over the late drama.

Congratulations to St Helens for claiming another Betfred Super League title – and commiserations to Wigan, who certainly played their part in the spectacle and can keep their heads held high.

A personal highlight of the evening was seeing young Jack Welsby score the last-gasp try to give Saints the victory.

What a moment for the 19-year-old, on the biggest stage of all. That’s a memory I’m sure he’ll cherish for the rest of his life.

Saints’ win means they’re now just one behind Leeds’ record eight Grand Final successes – and we at Betfred make the champions 5/2 to equal the Rhinos’ tally by winning the 2021 centrepiece.

At the same price is Wigan, who of course won the League Leaders’ Shield and were so competitive at the weekend that our traders can’t split them and Saints ahead of the next campaign.

Steve Price will be hoping for a better show from his Warrington side next season, who are 7/1 at Betfred to win their first Grand Final.

That looks generous to me, given the Wire were competitive for the majority of the season, finishing level on win percentage with the eventual champions.

If you don’t fancy one of the top three, Leeds are 10/1, while Hull FC, Castleford, Huddersfield and Catalans are all available at 12/1 – my hometown club and this season’s Challenge Cup finalists Salford are as big as 66/1.