Hammering Moyes’ boys is perfect Reds reply
WE’LL find out tonight whether Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s big gamble pays off.
His much-changed team never turned up against Chelsea in the cup and were consequently KO’d.
No doubt Solskjaer had an eye on a top four Premier League finish rather than FA Cup glory at Wembley on Sunday.
What we desperately need tonight is a team ready to put right a wrong – and put ex-boss David Moyes in his place when West Ham visit Old Trafford.
Betfred have had many fans expecting the Reds to get their season back on track ahead of Sunday’s showdown at Leicester and are putting their money where their mouths are with a 4-0 home win popular at 10/1.
With our defence and a likely recall for Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial goals are expected with a United 3-2 victory the most popular scoreline bet at 20/1.
Martial is 7/2 favourite to be on target first with Greenwood and Rashford both 4/1 to open the scoring as the Reds look to leapfrog Leicester into fourth ahead of the crunch weekend.
Who could possibly have thought it is going to be an all-London FA Cup final rather than an historic Manchester affair at Wembley on August 1?
I certainly didn’t with City outright favourites to beat
Arsenal in the first weekend semi final and United just favourites to beat Chelsea.
Here is an eye-opening stat that will give Pep Guardiola food for thought: City had 71 per cent possession but managed just one shot on goal against the Gunners.
Arsenal knew exactly what to expect with Guardiola’s lieutenant Mikel Arteta at the helm. For example the tendency to leave gaps at the back and insistence on playing out from defence rather than vary their tactics.
I do fear that City despite their undoubted ability to maintain possession will have to be much better if they are to win the club’s Holy Grail, the Champions League, for the first time in their history.
Betfred still have them 3/1 favourites especially as they are 2-1 up against Real Madrid in their last 16 two-leg tie.
But there is substantial backing at Betfred for PSG who are now 9/2 shots as they are in the easier half of the draw.
How about a Reds stat to ponder: Before the weekend United had not let in three goals in an FA Cup game for 22 years.
The big question for Reds like me is whether David de Gea can remain our keeper. Our defence is floundering and his poor form in such that he’s not able to boost confidence at the back.
So Solskjaer and Guardiola have the same problem... bolstering their defences. Should be an interesting summer on the transfer front that’s for sure!