MANCHESTER UNITED host Sheffield United on Wednesday evening as the race for European qualification hots up in the Premier League. Daniel McCulloch (@DMcCulloch1984) shares his favourite fancies from Old Trafford.
Manchester United vs Sheffield United | Wednesday 24th June 2020, 18:00 | Sky Sports
I can’t be the only person who watches Sheffield United and wonders what they might be like with at least one genuine Premier League marksmen. Billy Sharp and Ollie McBurnie are clearly proven at a lower level and their endeavour cannot be questioned but whenever I watch the Blades they look incredibly blunt up front.
That being said, I believe the general view is that they perform better when there is less expected of them, as victories against Arsenal and Everton show, as do well-deserved draws against the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United.
Manchester United have clearly improved since Bruno Fernandes joined the club and I was very impressed with the seemingly immediate relationship he has built up with Paul Pogba, as evidenced by their display against Tottenham. However, are they really a 4/9 poke to beat a side that they have gained just two more points than over 30 games this season?
On Sunday the Blades lost 3-0 to Newcastle, their biggest defeat of the season. However, they did have 10 men for 40 minutes of that game and the game was goalless when John Egan saw red.
Before this, Chris Wilder’s men had lost by more than a single goal on just three occasions this term – in very unfortunate circumstances (again – how do Newcastle do it?!) against the Toon Army, as well as away to the best two sides in the division – Liverpool and Manchester City.
Additionally, the Yorkshire side have already secured draws at Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal this season as well as beating Everton on the road.
For their part, Manchester United have won just six of their 15 home league games by two goals or more. These victories include fairly impressive results against Chelsea and Manchester City but also matches against Brighton, Newcastle, Norwich and Watford. Crystal Palace have won at Old Trafford this term and Everton, Wolves and Aston Villa have all recorded draws so it is hardly the fortress it once was.
All this leads me to back Sheffield United +1.25 on the Asian Handicap at 21/25 with Bet365, with a saver on a 2-0 home victory at 11/2 with the same firm. If you split your stake 80/20 on the two bets, the only way you are losing money is if Sheffield United lose by three goals or more, or by a 3-1 scoreline, something that has only happened in one of their 30 encounters this season.
Best Bets
Manchester United vs Sheffield United – Sheffield United +1.25 Asian Handicap (21/25 Bet265)
Manchester United vs Sheffield United – Manchester United to win 2-0 (11/2 Bet365)
