New ‘manager’. Same old Man U

Oh what a circus, oh what a show.

Old Trafford has been more of a circus ring than a football arena this season and the petulant players (as we are led to believe) might just start playing for their new ‘manager’ this afternoon, Ryan Giggs.

It was telling that David Moyes made no reference to the players in his dignified exit which might be very suggestive of the real situation.

There were rumours circulating for weeks before that Moyes had ‘lost the dressing room’ and the only surprise in his exit was the timing.

It’s hard to see what the inexperienced Giggs can achieve in the last few games and in any case it now looks certain that Louis van Gaal is to become the next ‘chosen one’.

A Dutch newspaper is already reporting it as a done deal. De Telegraaf reports today that Van Gaal has agreed to take charge at Old Trafford after leading the Netherlands at the World Cup in Brazil this summer.

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Max last 10 only)
Dec 2013 English Premier Norwich 0-1 Man Utd
Oct 2013 Capital One Cup Man Utd 4-0 Norwich
Mar 2013 English Premier Man Utd 4-0 Norwich
Nov 2012 English Premier Norwich 1-0 Man Utd
Feb 2012 English Premier Norwich 1-2 Man Utd
Oct 2011 English Premier Man Utd 2-0 Norwich
Apr 2005 Premiership Norwich 2-0 Man Utd
Aug 2004 Premiership Man Utd 2-1 Norwich
Feb 1995 Premiership Norwich 0-2 Man Utd
Dec 1994 Premiership Man Utd 1-0 Norwich

For the second week running Norwich have the opportunity to be party poopers.

They couldn’t quite halt the progress of champions elect Liverpool last weekend but showed resolution having gone 2-0 down inside the first 10 minutes to give themselves a chance at 2-3 with 13 minutes to go.

Whatever the shenanigans with the managerial musical chairs at Old Trafford, this game is far more important to Norwich. For Man U it’s about making a statement, For Norwich it’s about Premier League survival. They are only one place above the drop zone and there could easily be some shuffling around at the bottom – especially with Sunderland playing Cardiff tomorrow.

The odds look far too short on Man U – and with Norwich needing it more I’m putting my faith in the Canaries to get a point out of this one. As such a sell on the Man U supremacy with Star Spreads and a buy on the bookings at a low looking 32 looks the call.

RECOMMENDED BET (scale 1-10 points)

BUY BOOKINGS Man U v Norwich for 10 points at around 32 with Star Spreads
SELL Man U / Norwich for 10 points at around 1.45 with Star Spreads

RUNNING RETURN (APRIL): LOSS 1290.50 POINTS

RUNNING RETURN (YEAR): LOSS 854.50 POINTS

• Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
• Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.