MANCHESTER UNITED'S European Cup final against Bayern Munich on Wednesday is set to have more money bet on it than any previous football match, with a possible pay-out of about £10m, writes Peter Wilson.
The bookies will definitely want a German success. United, who were 80-1 to win the treble last August and were last night being quoted at 7-4 on favourites, will initiate the "biggest football payout ever" should they win in Barcelona.
Sean Boyce from Labrokes yesterday said the bookies were cheering on Newcastle, although he admitted even that was a "double-edged sword".
"A Newcastle win would have been a good for us, but United will now go to Barcelona with the treble still a possibility, and we are anticipating that being the biggest-ever betting football match."
The season may be getting better for Manchester United but it is turning into a dream for punters thanks to Alex Ferguson's men. Yesterday's 2-0 scoreline was the one bookies feared, although they were relieved that Teddy Sheringham and not Dwight Yorke scored the final's opening goal.
Yorke was quoted at 4-1 to score the first goal. "We're hoping Solskjaer and Sheringham start the match," Boyce said before kick-off. That wishful thinking was partly realised an hour before kick-off, when Yorke was named as a substitute.
Boyce added: "The fans have won this season." He admitted that even the FA Cup final is back in favour after a lean spell: "The final has not been a big betting event recently, but United chasing the treble has made this a fantastic Cup final for us."
Ladbrokes even offered "generous" odds of 7-2 on Newcastle 24 hours before the kick-off in the hope of recouping some money should United win. Those who want to shop early for next season can get 12-1 on United retaining the Double.
