Jose Mourinho was the last manager to win silverware at Manchester United, guiding the Red Devils to success in the EFL Cup and the UEFA Europa League in 2016-17. Once the storied Portuguese coach was fired, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sparked hopes of a revival, only to conclude as habitual runners-up or worse, and his grip on the wheel eventually in tatters.
But now there seems to be a growing sense of newfound optimism at Old Trafford, especially following a recent run in which Arsenal were the only bump in the road. Admiration is growing for Erik ten Hag in his debut season at the club, as the Dutch manager seeks to steer the team in a positive direction, buoyed by much improved performances both individually and collectively.
After five seasons without lifting a single trophy, genuine prospects exist for an exciting potential treble of silverware. United have already reached the EFL Cup final, teasing fans with the idea that before the end of February, the trophy drought will be over. There’s also a tantalising clash with Barcelona to come, offering progress to the UEFA Europa League Round of 16, should Ten Hag mastermind victory against the Spanish giants.
Back on the domestic front, while challenging for the Premier League title remains a distant dream, for now at least, the chance of a deep run in the FA Cup is already animating supporters. Coincidentally, when United last achieved success in the world’s oldest football competition, there was another Dutchman at the helm. Ten Hag would clearly enjoy repeating what Louis van Gaal achieved, ahead of taking on West Ham in the fifth round.
Vietnamese fans thrilled by the Brazilian trio
Already widely acknowledged that Manchester United enjoy support around the whole globe, regardless of time zone differences, millions tune in to watch games on matchdays. This included the FA Cup Fourth Round encounter with Reading at Old Trafford, when the Red Devils ran out 3-1 winners, booking their passage to the Fifth Round of the competition.
One hotbed of support is the Asian continent and particularly in Vietnam, where fans thoroughly enjoyed the result against Reading and in particular, the stellar performances of United’s in-form Brazilian trio. They were delighted by the brace of goals from Casemiro, the creative display of Antony, plus Fred’s impact from the substitutes bench.
Having now surpassed more than 250,000 followers on Facebook, along with running their own website and other social networks where fans regularly interact, Manchester United Supporters Club in VietNam is an officially recognised group. Thrilled by the Brazilian influence, they are also delighted by the work of Erik ten Hag as manager, convinced he will fill the Old Trafford trophy cabinet with silverware.
Keen to add an extra layer of engagement whenever watching, many fans enjoy wagering on the outcome of games, although doing so with trusted sites is always advised, there are special online betting sites or “cá cược thể thao trực tuyến” in Vietnamese for Vietnamese players. This is based upon the latest guides from Asiabet, who review and recommend only fully licenced and secure bookies, alongside highlighting where the best odds and promotions can be found.
Oddsmakers fancy triple chance for success
Lifting just one trophy, this would be a positive first campaign for Erik ten Hag as Manchester United boss, especially considering he arrived with a complete rebuild in mind. Such projects can take quite some time, although recent form has given fans every reason to be positive, hopeful his reign will restore the good times at Old Trafford.
Nevertheless, oddsmakers at leading bookies were sceptical at the beginning of the season. United were quoted as long-shot outsiders for any silverware, let alone multiple trophies. In fact, many priced the Red Devils at 600/1 or more, for the treble of trophies they are now realistically chasing: EFL Cup, FA Cup, and UEFA Europa League.
Manchester United have become favourites to win the EFL Cup, and second behind Manchester City in the FA Cup betting stakes. Perhaps most interesting of all are odds for the Europa League, with Ten Hag’s team now tipped amongst the three main contenders, alongside Arsenal and Barcelona. This inevitably makes the tie against the latter all the more intriguing, and United could be shortened to favourites if they pass that test.
