A Treble on the Cards for Man United?

Football Food For Thought / Nik Wardle / 28 January 2008 / 1

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Following Manchester United's victory over Tottenham in the FA Cup at the weekend, Nik Wardle assesses the chances of a 1999 treble repeat...

The Red Devils are at just [1.95] to retain the Premier League.
Although they've not strengthened their squad in the transfer window, the return from injury of Hargreaves and Scholes is like adding £30 million worth of talent. They have tremendous strength in depth but, like others, I initially thought their progress may be hampered by the lack of a quality out-and-out centre forward - someone in the van Nistelrooy mode. However, the movement and rotational positioning of Ronaldo, Giggs, Tevez and Rooney has negated the need for this type of player. And they do have Saha as back-up, on the rare occasion he's injury-free. Of the three competitions they're still in, this looks like their strongest chance of silverware.

The FA Cup 5th round draw has paired them with Arsenal at home.
The 'at home' bit is important and will make them favourites to progress. One other thing to factor in is that the tie takes place four days before both clubs play in the Champions League. Both sides could rest players and this is where United's greater strength in depth of experienced players should be key. Chelsea and Liverpool are both still in the competition and, assuming all three progress, a lot will depend on the 6th Round draw and which of those clubs is still in the Champions League or title race by that stage. United are at [4.2] to lift the FA Cup and 5.3 to win the domestic double.

Lyon await United in the last 16 of the Champions League.
United might be strong favourites but the French side have some dangerous players. Forwards Benzeme and Ben Arfa would probably cost potential suitors upwards of £15 million each and Juninho is so good at scoring from direct free kicks, you're surprised if he misses. That said, United have a few tasty players of their own. The stage is set for Ronaldo to prove that he is the best player in Europe - but there's many heavyweight clubs and players left in the competition with a lot to prove of their own. United are at [5.2] to lift the Champions League.

United are [14.0] to win their second ever treble - is that good value?
I think they'll win the league and have a strong chance of lifting the FA Cup but they've often looked flat in key games in the Champions League, since that memorable run in 1999, so the treble looks beyond them. A lot will depend on Ronaldo's form - great European players like Best, Cruyff, Platini, Gullit and Zidane tend to lead teams to the summit of Europe and it will be a tough ask for the Portugese. Meanwhile, for those who dislike Manchester United enough and wish them to be trophyless, you can back this at [2.82].

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John | 30 January 2008

Where the Champions League is concerned its very early days yet. I remember looking at the betting in the outright market at last years quarter final stage and thinking AC Milan were the stand out lay . . .