Type: United

Vidic – United title bid over

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has admitted his side’s Premier League title hopes are over following the 3-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, a result which left the club 14 points off the top of the league and came as no surprise to some Betfair punters.

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has admitted his side’s Premier League title hopes are over following the 3-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, a result which left the club 14 points off the top of the league and came as no surprise to some Betfair punters.

A Samuel Eto’o hat-trick saw Chelsea clinch three points that could be crucial to their own title hopes – with Betfair placing Jose Mourinho’s second in the odds behind Manchester City – and salt was rubbed deeper into United’s wounds when Vidic was sent off later in the game for a seemingly modest challenge of Eden Hazard.

The reigning Premier League champions have all been ruled out of this season’s title race with Betfair following their dismal defeat, and the United captain has now conceded his team’s defence of the title could now well be over. Vidic made it clear the main focus for the club would now be on securing a top-four spot and making sure this season isn’t a complete write off for David Moyes’ men.

“We are too far behind and we have now to focus on the top three or four. It’s not going to be easy. We have to now fight to achieve the Champions League. We have to stay positive and stick together and work hard. With a bit of luck hopefully we can achieve that,” admitted the Serbian defender.

While this season has been a new experience for United fans, there is a real danger the club might not finish in the top-four this season unless the manager is able to sign some players. Moyes has made no secret over the fact the club need to bolster the squad before the end of the January window, and signing a new midfielder could well prove to be the difference between the club playing Champions League football next season and not.

United Set for Top Four Struggle

Most Manchester United supporters might have expected some teething problems following the departure of manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, but few would have thought their hopes of retaining their Premier League crown to be all but over in January.

Ferguson’s successor, David Moyes, has not been able to get the same performances out of the squad left to him by the knight of the realm and injuries to the likes of Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney of late have certainly not helped the former Everton manager’s cause.

Most Manchester United supporters might have expected some teething problems following the departure of manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, but few would have thought their hopes of retaining their Premier League crown to be all but over in January.

Ferguson’s successor, David Moyes, has not been able to get the same performances out of the squad left to him by the knight of the realm and injuries to the likes of Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney of late have certainly not helped the former Everton manager’s cause.

A 3-1 defeat to rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday evening highlighted how far United have now fallen behind.

Of course, the scoreline does not really reflect the true nature of that game in the capital, with Chelsea making the most of the limited chances they had.

Nonetheless, the Blues were the better side and, along with Arsenal and Manchester City, look like one of the three teams who will be challenging for the Premier League title come May.

What is more worrying for United at this stage is that if those three sides do push each other all the way till near the end of the campaign, then that is likely to leave one more Champions League place for next season.

People who bet on football can find the Red Devils at 11/4 with some of the big bookmakers to make the cut.

A campaign without Champions League football would have been unthinkable at the end of last term, when United were holding aloft the Premier League trophy but now that looks like it could become a reality.

At present, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton all stand in United’s way and it really will take something special from Moyes and his men at Old Trafford to ensure they hear that Champions League music ringing around the ground next season.

BACK UNITED

Manchester United will be taking on West Ham at Old Trafford looking to maintain their position at the top of the table. The draw for Manchester City during the weekend meant that United went top of the table following their 3-1 victory over QPR.

It has been a great season for United in the attacking front, but not so great in terms of the defensive abilities. They have conceded a lot of goals this season, which is unlike United. However, they come into the match against West Ham looking to extend their advantage at a key stage of the season.

Manchester United will be taking on West Ham at Old Trafford looking to maintain their position at the top of the table. The draw for Manchester City during the weekend meant that United went top of the table following their 3-1 victory over QPR.

It has been a great season for United in the attacking front, but not so great in terms of the defensive abilities. They have conceded a lot of goals this season, which is unlike United. However, they come into the match against West Ham looking to extend their advantage at a key stage of the season.

United are extremely strong during the New Year and Christmas period. They already have a one-point advantage over City in the table. West Ham will be coming into the match on the back of the 3-1 defeat against Tottenham, but apart from that, Sam Allardyce has been able to get his team up into the top half of the table. In fact, before the Tottenham defeat, they were in the seventh position and they should not be taken lightly by United. Allardyce will be without Mark Noble for this match, while Ferguson will be missing Paul Scholes. Both players are unavailable due to suspensions.

Due to the impressive home form for United this season, they have been rated 1/4 for a home win. This excellent odd is provided by Paddy Power, while Coral is providing odds of 5/1 for a draw. Paddy Power is also providing odds of 12/1 for an away victory. This is not beyond the hopes of imagination because West Ham recently had a good record on the Old Trafford stadium. United have been at the best in the last three matches, as they have suffered two defeats in this run. Allardyce will be aware of this fact.