Betting: title odds

We?re just two games into the season and, though only two points behind Chelsea, United are available at an unusually high price to win the Premier League on Betfair.

So, as going with the crowd is rarely a successful betting tactic in the long term, maybe now is the time to trust in Sir Alex Ferguson?s men to lift the title once more? After all, a slow start at Old Trafford has become almost customary in recent years but it?s rarely stopped the Reds at the business end.

According to the Betfair market, after United (3.7 ? 11/4) and Chelsea (favourites at 2.38 ? 11/8) the next sides in the title hunt are Arsenal (7.2 ? 6/1) and Man City (8.4 ? 15/2). The only other teams not trading in three figures are Spurs (29 ? 28/1) and Liverpool (46 ? 45/1). 

Those who want to get behind United but fancy a less risky bet may want to back the Reds for a top-two finish at 1.9 (10/11). The last time that bet wasn?t a winner was 2004/05, so the near even money available represents fair value. 

You can also take advantage of another slow start, this time by Wayne Rooney, to get a third, very solid, bet on. Last season's top scorer is available at an astonishingly generous 11 (10/1) to finish top of the pile at season?s end. Given how prolific he was last term, this is surely a case of over-reaction by the market and should be snapped up.

A scoring blast by Wayne will see his price fall dramatically, offering punters the chance to make a green book with profit, whether he tops the lot ? or not!