Wow, what a signing for United!
Brazilian Antony – an £85million acquisition from Ajax – is a huge statement of intent.
It undeniably signals that Erik ten Hag has been given the go-ahead to splash the cash and do everything necessary to restore the Reds’ reputation at the top table in the world game.
Ahead of tomorrow’s blockbuster at Old Trafford against the Premier League’s early leaders Arsenal, United have been cut to 33/1 at Betfred to win the title – and, perhaps more realistically in some people’s eyes, 2/1 for a top-four finish.
It’s remarkable really, when you consider the Reds were 80/1 to be champions at the beginning of last month.
Since then we’ve won three on the bounce and signed one of the hottest properties on the planet – but Sunday represents a real test to see just how far we have progressed.
Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho have been given license to try the unexpected, and just like another bang in-form player Bruno Fernandes this new-look United are starting to prove the doubters wrong.
At the moment you have to ask when Cristiano Ronaldo and skipper Harry Maguire will next start.
Frankly, I like Ronaldo on the bench to be brought on late and offer his undisputed goal threat when the opposition defence starts to tire.
Betfred go 10/1 that Antony becomes an instant hero and scores the opener against the Gunners, while Rashford is 6/1 and Fernandes is available at 13/2.
Meanwhile, who can stop odds-on favourites City winning the title again?
Certainly not Villa this afternoon. Man of the moment Erling Haaland is 9/1 to score his third hat-trick of this campaign that’s only just warming up.
The Norwegian superstar is 2/1 to score first against Steven Gerrard’s side, who look devoid of ideas.
Liverpool are in Derby action today and are our 11/2 second-favourites for the title despite an indifferent start to the season.
Next up are Arsenal at 10/1, with Spurs 14/1 and United at 33/1 – while Chelsea are on the slide at 40/1.
Finally, we’ve reached the business end of the Betfred Super League season with the top six play-off places virtually resolved, with Warrington languishing second from bottom.
It’s sad that Kristian Woolf has decided to end his highly-successful tenure as St Helens coach to go back with his family to Australia.
Still, he’s marching on leaving Saints on a high having secured the League Leaders’ Shield that puts them in prime position for the play-offs – and Saints had a huge boost this week with influential skipper James Roby deciding to carry on playing next season.
