Manchester United were expected to compete with local rivals Manchester City for the Premier League title last season.
However, they finished 31 points behind City who won their fourth title in a row. United ended the campaign eighth and the pressure was on manager Erik ten Hag.
His future was heavily scrutinised, with a section of the fans calling for his head, but he saved his job with an FA Cup victory over Man City at Wembley Stadium.
That triumph secured United a place in the Europa League, but the Dutchman’s future still hangs in the balance despite signing a contract extension earlier this month.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival as co-owner signalled a new era for United. The INEOS chairman expressed his commitment to restoring the club’s status as a powerhouse in world football.
The British billionaire has already taken the necessary steps to realise those lofty ambitions by revamping United’s recruitment team and implementing a new transfer policy.
However, it is debatable whether his efforts will result in the club mounting a Premier League title challenge next term. Read on as we assess whether United can overhaul City in 2024/25.
The Odds are Not in United’s Favour
Online bookmakers worldwide think the Red Devils will struggle to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title this season.
That point is hammered home in Australia, where several leading bookies rate United as 26.00 shots to claim top spot. By contrast, City are priced at 2.10 to win the title for the fifth consecutive year.
City have been a popular pick with Aussie punters in recent years, with the club’s link-up with A-League outfit Melbourne City helping to establish a sizeable fanbase Down Under. This has triggered heightened demand for betting bonus offers as punters strive to secure the best promotions for wagering on the Premier League.
Local regulations require players to sign-up before accessing the offers, but once this process is complete there are a vast array to choose from.
Leading betting review and comparison site OnlyRacing is hugely popular with Aussie punters, offering them the chance to access great bonuses for football betting.
Most of those bettors will likely be wagering on Man City again this season, with their all-conquering squad looking a cut above anything else in the Premier League.
City are in the market for a new attacking midfielder and an anchor to partner Rodri at the base of midfield, but they are yet to make a move for any potential targets.
By contrast, United have signed striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and centre-back Leny Yoro from Lille. More new recruits will likely follow.
United must close the gap on City this season
Man City head into the 2024/25 campaign as overwhelming favourites with the bookies to defend their Premier League crown.
They have won six of the past seven league titles, and last season’s triumph made them the first team in English football history to win the championship four years in a row.
Considering Pep Guardiola has rewritten the record books since joining Man City in 2016, it would be foolish to bet against his side retaining the title next season.
Arsenal will likely probably be their closest rivals again, while Liverpool should be in contention. A top four finish is probably the best United can hope for.
It has been over a decade since United last won the Premier League title, and they have barely been contenders throughout that period.
Ratcliffe has seemingly put the club back on the right track, but it will take a lot of rebuilding to undo the damage done by the Glazer family.
United’s primary objective next season will be to return to the Champions League, and anything less could spell trouble for Ten Hag.
While competing for the Premier League title will probably be a bridge too far for Ten Hag next term, the fans will expect them to finish closer to City and win at least one major trophy.
Ten Hag has won two trophies during his time in charge and needs to clinch another to demonstrate he is the right man to take the club forward beyond the end of this season.
Image credit: Ratchet8865 on Creative Commons
