Manchester United is the second choice at the sportsbook site to win the Premier League behind Chelsea. Last season it was Chelsea winning the league title and they are a slight favorite over Manchester United this season. Both of the favorites could be challenged this season by Manchester City who is the third choice in future odds at the offshore sportsbook. Sportsbook site odds are on the board for the opening of the Premier League season this weekend. Chelsea begins play on Saturday against West Bromwich while Manchester United plays on Monday against Newcastle United.
Manchester United is led by Wayne Rooney who is ready for another big year. He kept United in the league title race all season a year ago. This season he may get some help. Luis Antonio Valencia has looked good in exhibition action and he may be able to provide some scoring support. He should definitely have more than the five goals he scored last season. The problem for United in terms of scoring was Dimitar Berbatov who did nothing. He has looked better in the exhibition season though and United is hoping he will have a big season. The other scoring option for United this season could be 21-year-old Mexico striker Javier Hernandez. He could really be the player who takes the pressure off of Rooney.
Manchester United still has the talent to win the Premier League but there is no question they are getting old. Paul Scholes is 35, Ryan Giggs is 35 and goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is 40. United does need Rio Ferdinand to be healthy as he had just 12 league starts last season and he will start the season on the injured list.
United will be a factor in the Premier League race if Rooney scores like he did a year ago. If he gets injured the team could be in trouble as there are not many reliable scoring options behind him. Manchester United is heavily favored at the offshore sportsbook to win their opener against newly promoted Newcastle United on Monday. It is an interesting match between the two old rivals. Manchester United will be without Gary Neville, Owen Hargreaves and Rio Ferdinand for the opener while Newcastle will not have Steven Taylor or Danny Simpson for this match.