Home of football statistics and historyManchester United return to action after the international break with a tricky trip to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
While every league game matters to the Red Devils, their fans could be forgiven for having one eye on the subsequent home fixture against Manchester City.
Supporters inclined towards sports betting will not be surprised to learn that online bookmakers rate Man City as the favourites to win at Old Trafford.
However, odds of 14/5 on several crypto gambling platforms for United to triumph are a tempting proposition given developments over the past few weeks.
Man United have endured a difficult season, with the team failing to live up to expectations for much of the campaign despite changing managers in November.
However, there have been signs in recent weeks that Ruben Amorim’s methods are finally beginning to deliver the desired results.
Recovering from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 at Everton last month felt like a turning point for a team which has repeatedly been accused of lacking character.
They subsequently dug deep to defeat Ipswich Town 3-2, despite playing over half of the game with ten men following Patrick Dorgu’s dismissal.
A penalty shoot-out defeat against Fulham in the FA Cup was a setback, but United have shrugged off that disappointment over the last few games.
They deservedly reached the Europa League quarter-finals by defeating La Liga side Real Sociedad 5-2 on aggregate in their last-16 tie.
United drew 1-1 with Arsenal in their most recent league game at home and have subsequently recorded a 3-0 victory at Leicester City.
While United still have a long way to go, their fans will be hoping their recent results are a catalyst for bigger and better things.
Captain Bruno Fernandes has led by example over the past few matches following damning criticism by former skipper Roy Keane.
While some people questioned whether Keane’s withering assessment was warranted, Fernandes has clearly stepped up his performance levels.
Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee are among the other players who have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks.
Although it would be foolish to get too carried away with the collective uptick in form, United fans will be delighted to have something positive to cheer about.
United’s upcoming fixtures in the Premier League undoubtedly give them the opportunity to prove that this is not a false dawn.
Forest have been the surprise package in the Premier League this season and are well on course to secure Champions League qualification at the end of the campaign.
They triumphed 3-2 at Old Trafford in December and will fancy their chances of completing the double in front of their own fans.
However, United can travel to the City Ground knowing they are capable of taking something from the game if they produce their best form.
A positive result in the Midlands would set Amorim’s side up perfectly for the Manchester derby against City on April 6.
City have made a mess of their bid to win the title for the fifth successive time and are not guaranteed to qualify for the Champions League.
Their recent form has been patchy, and they are no longer the all-conquering force they were under manager Pep Guardiola.
While they still have the talent to punish teams, City have shown plenty of vulnerability this term and United could expose their weaknesses.
The bookies rate City as the favourites to win the game, but United are more than capable of flipping that narrative on its head and collecting three points.
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