Under Jose Mourinho, Man United have generally been about as thrilling as a film night down at Michael Owen’s house.
But much has been made of the club’s off-season transfer activity, with an amount similar to the average Roman Abramovich divorce settlement being flung about in order to bring the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic to Old Trafford.
This free-spending approach has got many observers talking about the prospect of a more attacking, exciting United side. Lukaku, in particular, is being touted (and reasonably so) as a man who will add shedloads of goals.
Which may well end up being the case.
But transitioning from what some see as a classically dull Mourinho approach to a less conservative outlook will take time.
And in the early stages of the season, the Red Devils could struggle to release the shackles.
For that reason, we like the look of Under 2.5 total goals at 11/10 when they take on West Ham tomorrow. Slaven Bilic’s side has been strengthened significantly in defence with the recent arrivals of José Fonte, Pablo Zabaleta and Joe Hart.
They will be a tough nut to crack, despite Man Utd being overwhelming favourites to win.
Backing the total goals even allows for a 1-0 or 2-0 West Ham loss, and is mainly aimed at a situation where the Hammers defend rigorously but get broken down late on.
Combining that selection with Dele Alli to score the first goal against Newcastle at 5/1 creates a nice double that will net you £126 from a £10 stake.
Alli will surely bring his sparkling from 2016/17 into this season, and you can be fairly confident that he’ll be among the goals again. With Spurs up against a Rafa Benítez side that may well sit deep, it could be an ideal situation for midfielders arriving late in the box, which Dele does so well.
Bet Summary
£10 returns £126.
- Dele Alli to score the first goal in Newcastle v Tottenham – 5/1
- Under 2.5 total match goals in Man Utd v West Ham – 11/10