Man United to win in Belgrade
Manchester United can take a lot of positives from their 1-1 draw with Liverpool at the weekend. Will it give them a boost as they head into Europa League action? Have a read of our preview here:
Ole staying positive
It was nice to see Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in a more jovial mood following United’s impressive draw against league leaders Liverpool on Sunday. The Manchester United manager referred to the Old Trafford atmosphere as ‘one of Old Trafford’s great nights’ of which there have been few and far between since Sir Alex stepped down.
The fans calling for Ole to leave really should check themselves. This is a club that has had enough instability in the dugout and rather than changing again, they need to back Solskjaer and allow him to rebuild the club in his image – which will end up far closer to the Sir Alex Ferguson sides of old than if another big name were to join and start it all again.
United’s summer recruitment was actually very positive. Harry Maguire, Aaron wan Bissaka and Daniel James will all play a big part in any future success United have but there is still work to be done. This is a side that lacks balance and there are players within the squad signed by four different managers. It is time for the owners to stand firmly behind their man and give Solskjaer time to work towards his targets.
Chelsea are doing something similar with Frank Lampard albeit in an enforced way, but they have the right idea in backing a club legend to bring through a talented young core and work towards future success.
Nothing is going to remove the pressure that comes with a job like the one at Old Trafford but for now the owners need to let their man get on with the job and shut out all the noise from critics in both the stands and the press.
Partizan slipping
It was not really surprising to see Partizan Belgrade get off to an excellent start in the Serbian top-flight. The club went unbeaten in their first nine games of the campaign although were slightly disappointed to draw a couple they should really have won.
Despite this, they have lost the last two back-to-back which has seen their arch-rivals Red Star open up a four-point lead at the top and a seven-point gap between themselves and Partizan who now lie in fifth.
Regardless of this, United will need to be careful as the atmosphere will be thick and in Nigerian striker Sadiq Umar, on loan from Roma, they have a striker in form with six goals already this season. The creativity of Lazar Markovic (remember him) and Zoran Tosic will also need to be shut down if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are to get the result everyone will expect.
Partizan Belgrade v Manchester United betting tip
Even though Partizan will be a tough place to play you do feel United will have too much for their hosts. That’s why backing Man Utd to win at odds of 7/5 is worth a punt here.
Post bet chat James's Tips:
A Martial penalty was enough to give United a tight win in Belgrade