The odds reflect just how far the mighty have fallen post-Fergie.
The gulf in class between the two Manchester clubs was never more evident than this weekend, where Pep’s men won at a canter to put 12 points between the two rivals after just 12 games.
The loss shattered any lingering hopes that even the most optimistic of United fans had of a title challenge, and bookies have lengthened their odds to such an extent that relegation can be found at the same price.
Several bookmakers now make the red team in Manchester 250/1 to win the league this season. Punters that had a flutter on Mourinho’s side at 8/1 at the beginning of the season must now feel very silly, and may as well tear up their bet slips.
There’s been a small revival in recent weeks but Sunday’s loss showed just how far Mourinho has to go to get United competitive again in England, and one firm has them at the 250/1 to be relegated
To put the odds in perspective, Everton – a team who haven’t won the league since 1987, and haven’t threatened to, either – are also available at 250/1 for the Premier League title.
Man City were once labelled the ‘noisy neighbours', but they are far more than that now. The Citizens are now as short as 1/4 to win their fourth Premier League, implying bookies think they have an 80% chance of being champions once again. They give Man Utd a 0.4% chance.
Oddschecker Spokesman George Elek: “If you were told 10 years ago that Man Utd would go into a derby game against Man City as 8/1 outsiders, there is no way you’d have believed it.
The fact you can now bet on the Red Devils being relegated at the exact same odds you can back them to win the title is a damning indictment of the current regime, and shows have far they have fallen since the glory years under Fergie. ”
