21st May 2013 | Football
The Fergie Factor
It's probably no reflection on David Moyes, United were always going to get re-evaluated when Sir Alex finally stepped down.
With the dust barely settled on the 2012-13 season, attention quickly turns to the next campaign in which the top three teams will all kick-off with new managers.
Such is the esteem in which Sir Alex Ferguson is held that Manchester United’s odds on retaining the title lengthened as soon as the 71-year-old announced his retirement. The Red Devils had been hovering around the 6/4 mark with many firms, but now the champions are available at 2/1 with Skybet.
Roberto Mancini has departed from the Etihad and, with Manuel Pellegrini looking a certainty to take his place, Manchester City are just a shade longer than their local rivals at best odds of 11/5 (Bet365) for the Premier League.
But the big movers in the 2013-14 title betting are Chelsea. Rafa Benitez appears to have left the club in good shape and with most pundits assuming that Jose Mourinho is on his way back, the Europa League winners have come in from 5/1 to 11/4 (Boylesports) in recent weeks.
Arsenal are 16/1 (PaddyPower) after their strong end to the season while Tottenham (28/1 Skybet) and Liverpool (28/1 Bet365) find themselves in the same ballpark.
*All odds provided are the best available on the market. Just click on any of the links to sign up with the relevant bookie and claim your free bets.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 12:06 21st May, 2013 but subject to change
