The Rangnick effect! Man United in to odds-on to secure Premier League top-four spot

Paul Okey
3 December 2021

Victory over Arsenal sees Red Devils trimmed to 5/6 to secure a Champions League berth.

Manchester United are already in a much better position under Ralf Rangnick despite the German yet to take charge of a Premier League game.

Rangnick was in the stands on Thursday night as Michael Carrick bowed out of Old Trafford with his head held high following United's thrilling 3-2 win over Arsenal.

Two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo sealed the win and the bookies reacted smartly to the change in atmosphere around the club, with Planet Sport Bet cutting United's odds on securing a top-four finish from 11/10 to 5/6.

Arsenal, in contrast, were eased from 5/2 to 3/1 for a Champions League spot after an eventful game which saw Emile Smith Rowe score one of the Premier League's most controversial goals.

Ronaldo's brace took him to six for the Premier League season and he remains 8/1 to finish at the head of the scoring charts.

However, despite the palpable sense of optimism now surrounding the club, United are still seen as rank outsiders when it comes to the title race.

CONTROVERSY AT OLD TRAFFORD!

Emile Smith Rowe scores with David De Gea on the floor injured... AND THE GOAL STANDS!#PLonPrime #MUNARS pic.twitter.com/dEumm7SzhA
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 2, 2021

Their odds were cut on the back of the three points, but the 13-time Premier League winners are still a huge 100/1 to wrestle the title back from Manchester City.

City, who trail current front-runners Chelsea by a point, are favourites at 4/6, with the Blues 11/4. Free-scoring Liverpool, who sit a point further back in third, are 7/2.

Tottenham were Thursday night's other winners, securing back to back home victories under Antonio Conte courtesy of a 2-0 win over Brentford.

A Sergi Canos own goal and a Heung-min Son strike proved enough to see off a limited Bees, who have now lost five of their last seven.

The three points, which lifted Spurs to sixth, saw the north London side trimmed from 4s to 10/3 to finish the campaign inside the top four.

West Ham currently occupy the coveted fourth spot. However, three winless games are reflected in the odds of 4/1 on them securing a Champions League berth.