Manchester United Replace Barcelona As Champions League Favourites Following Quarter Final Draw

The bookies think that Manchester United have every chance of retaining their Champions League crown this season, following on from last week’s draw. Leading bookmaker bet365 reacted to the Red Devils being paired with FC Porto by making the holders 15/8 to lift the trophy once again in May.

In the eyes of many, Sir Alex Ferguson’s team have been handed a dream draw, especially as they are scheduled to play either Arsenal or Villarreal in the semi-final. United have The Red Devils may have lost the first meeting between the sides this season, but victories at Old Trafford over the Gunners in both the league and FA Cup last year show the Red Devils' credentials.

While neither of these teams will be easy opponents, bet365 have received plenty of bets on United to win the Champions League since the draw was made. There are other tops bets proving popular, too: Click here to check out the latest Champions League odds.

Among the highlights: Barcelona have been handed a difficult quarter-final tie against Bayern Munich, although bet365 have been impressed enough by the Catalan giants to make them 11/4 second favourites to win the competition. The German champions are 14/1 after the draw, although they are many people’s dark horses to triumph.

As for Chelsea and Liverpool, this is the fifth season running that the teams meet in the Champions League, and bet365 are struggling to split them in the betting. Both teams are available at 13/2 to be celebrating in Rome, with the Reds in fantastic form following their recent victories over Real Madrid, Manchester United and Aston Villa.