Manchester United odds-on favourites to win Europa League
Friday 21 April 2017 15:11, UK
Manchester United are odds-on to win the Europa League after being handed what the bookmaker's perceive as a favourable semi-final draw.
Jose Mourinho's men were already strong favourites to lift the trophy but have been cut from evens to 10/11 after being paired with 7/1 outsiders Celta Vigo.
Celta sit 10th in La Liga having struggled to follow up their impressive sixth-placed finish last season, although they did knock Real Madrid out of the Copa del Rey over two legs in January.
Lyon (9/4) were considered the side to avoid as second-favourites and are odds-on to see off Ajax (13/2), who are the highest-placed team in their respective division.
For United, the Europa League is now considered a far more viable route to next season's Champions League, with the club, currently four points behind fourth-place Manchester City, priced at 7/2.
In the Champions League, Juventus, who ousted former favourites Barcelona, shortened into 7/4 to be crowned European champions after being paired with 7/1 outsiders Monaco.
However, Real Madrid retain their place at the head of the betting at 13/8 as they meet neighbours Atletico Madrid for the fourth successive season.
The 11-time winners have prevailed on each occasion, including two finals, and are looking to become the first side to defend the Champions League since its inception in 1992.
