Manchester United’s Premier League Odds +550 After Signing Cristiano Ronaldo

• In a shocking turn of events, Cristiano Ronaldo has left Juventus to join Manchester United 12 years after his first stint at the club
• The Red Devils’ Premier League odds have improved from +750 to +550 as a result
• Do they offer any value to win the title with the acquisition of Ronaldo? Find the updated odds and analysis below

As if this transfer window wasn’t already wild enough, Cristiano Ronaldo has abruptly left Juventus to become a Manchester United player once again. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was left out of Juve’s starting XI in their season opener and less than a week later, he’s heading back to the English top-flight for just €25 million.

While there were rumors that Man City was in the running to buy the Portuguese international, the Red Devils ultimately swooped in and sealed the deal. United have now seen their Premier League odds improve slightly, going from +750 to +550.

2021/22 Premier League Odds

Odds as of August 27th at Bet365

Can Ronaldo Enjoy Same Success at Old Trafford?

Ronaldo is coming back to Manchester as a much older player, but he’s still as lethal as ever. Last term, the 36-year-old led the Serie A with 29 goals, just edging out Romelu Lukaku for the Golden Boot. However, United is at a much different place than when he left. They’re not exactly the dynasty of the past, but the squad has been strengthened immensely and showed what it’s capable of in 2020/21, finishing as runners-up to City for the PL title and advancing to the Europa final.

🔴 Cristiano Ronaldo during his first spell at Manchester United 🙌#UCL | #FlashbackFriday pic.twitter.com/AbM6dWocpQ

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 27, 2021

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer now has a boatload of options in the final third. The club already signed Jadon Sancho this summer from Dortmund and already boasts numerous impressive talents on the attack like Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Edinson Cavani, and Mason Greenwood, among others. Adding Ronaldo to the fold could be massive for the Red Devils, but the question is, can he replicate his past success in England after over a decade away from the best league in the world?  At this point, it’s unknown.

Defensively, Man U has a physically imposing centre-back duo in Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane, who joined in the transfer window from Real Madrid. Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are phenomenal wing-backs as well. United currently has the talent to win a Premier League title. But there are times where they will look toothless on the attack, like last weekend’s draw with Southampton. Ronaldo could be the difference-maker in this regard.

Don’t Forget About City, Chelsea

Man City is still the betting favorite to repeat as champions and for good reason. They’re a world-class side who got even better with Jack Grealish leaving boyhood club Aston Villa for the Citizens. Although two key players in Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden are currently injured, the number of options that Pep Guardiola has at his disposal is scary. Their attacking prowess shone through last weekend, destroying Norwich City 5-0.

Chelsea is also looking terrific early in the campaign and has yet to concede a goal in two league wins. Romelu Lukaku’s arrival at Stamford Bridge looks to be an immediate hit after his debut against Arsenal, but we’ll have to ultimately see if he can continue to uplift their attack. With the Blues, it simply comes down to scoring enough goals. That was their problem last term, finishing in fourth spot. If Lukaku can be consistent enough in front of goal, they have a legitimate chance.

Premier League Title Best Bet

I really love that Ronaldo is returning to his roots at Old Trafford. Everyone around the club, supporters, and players will be absolutely buzzing, but personally, Man City should still be considered favorites. At 36-years-old, I don’t believe he’s going to be the goal-scoring machine of the past in the Premier League after several years in Italy, where the competition isn’t as stiff. Don’t get me wrong, he will be a key piece, but I’m not expecting 20+ goals from the Portuguese star.

However, Manchester United’s +200 odds for a top-two finish are very worth it at this point. They’re just going to fall slightly short of dethroning Man City for the Premier League title, though. Chelsea and Liverpool will be competitive, but the Citizens will be too much to handle.

Pick: Man City (+125), Manchester United to Finish in Top 2 (+200)