Manchester United v Huddersfield: Solksjaer's return bringing swagger back

Manchester United v Huddersfield 
Wednesday, 15:00

Stunning start for Solskjaer

The expression "A week is a long time in football," is often over used but it truly has been all change at Manchester United. Jose Mourinho was sacked following their dismal defeat at Liverpool and he was swiftly replaced by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with the Norwegian handed the reins until the end of the season. His impact was immediate after United thrashed Cardiff 5-1 on Saturday in his first game in charge.

All the turmoil under Mourinho was forgotten in Wales as Man United produced a devastating attacking performance. The likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard all scored while the recalled Paul Pogba revelled in his creative role. United are still eight points off the top four, so no-one should get too carried away, but their swagger returned and the feelgood factor is back at Old Trafford.

Wagner's side in deep trouble

Huddersfield stayed in the Premier League last season but David Wagner faces a huge challenge to help his side maintain their status at the end of this campaign. Their 3-1 home defeat to Southampton on Saturday was their fifth loss in a row and leaves 19th placed Huddersfield only off the bottom on goal difference.

Goals have been in short supply for Huddersfield with the team only managing a league low 11 in the competition this season. Wagner certainly has not been helped by the loss of Aaron Mooy with the top scorer sidelined until February with a knee injury. Seven points in November sparked hope for the Terriers but their recent slump has taken them four points from safety.

Difficult to look past home victory

It is no surprise Man United are very short odds to win this game with the hosts 1.26 for the victory. Considering the momentum they have after the win at Cardiff and the opposition they face it is hard to take issue with this. Nevertheless, this price is a non-starter as a betting proposition so other markets must be used to back the favourites.

The visitors are 16.50 but there is no interest in considering the outsiders. There were several huge upsets last weekend but Boxing Day is unlikely to provide another shock in this fixture. Huddersfield have only won once away this season and simply do not have the attacking personnel to trouble United.

The draw is another big-priced runner at 6.80 but there is a reason for that and Man United should be far too strong for Huddersfield. The hosts have drawn three league games at home this season but these came under the negative tactics of Mourinho. With a fired up crowd and Solskjaer making a triumphant return, a home win looks banker material.

United should win with something to spare

Man United should win this game comfortably and it looks tailor made for Betfair's Same Game Multi. A fast start can be expected in Solskjaer's first home match and Man United have been leading at half-time in six of their eight Premier League wins this season. His side were 3-1 up at the break at Cardiff and it is easy to envisage something similar here at Old Trafford.

Goals have been plentiful recently in United's matches, which has partly been down to their defensive weaknesses, as their last six games have all seen at least three goals scored. In their last home game, they thrashed Fulham 4-1 and it is realistic to expect the hosts to win by at least two goals. Combining Man United to be ahead at half-time, over 2.5 goals and the favourites to cover a one-goal handicap creates generous odds of 2.82.

RECOMMENDED BETS

Back Manchester United to lead at half-time, over 2.5 goals and Man United -1 to win @ 2.8 (Same Game Multi Sportsbook)