Betting: Goals galore

Odds correct at time of writing. For the latest, see ManUtd.com/bet.

Manchester United's new betting partner, bwin, can report that the arrival of Robin van Persie at Old Trafford has already had a significant impact on major markets.

In recent hours, bwin have shortened United from 5/2 to 2/1 for the title, with Arsenal drifting from 12/1 to 14/1. Manchester City remain favourites at 13/10.
 
A bwin spokesman said: “Bookmakers never tend to normally to react to the arrival of one player at a club, but it's clear we are already feeling a van Persie effect as we have shortened United and pushed out Arsenal.

"Punters only want to bet on United today and if this trend continues we expect the Reds could be challenging City for the tag as favourites before the season starts this weekend."

The van Persie effect has yet to influence the Champions League winner market or the Barclays Premier League top goalscorer market, though. United remain 10/1 fifth favourites for