FANS who have backed Manchester United to win the title can collect their cash today - all thanks to The Sun.
Yesterday we challenged northern bookie Fred Done, a massive United fan, to follow his lead of two years ago and pay up immediately.
Done had insisted the Premiership race was over and that no one could stop the trophy heading to Old Trafford for the sixth time in eight years.
Now he has picked up the gauntlet - at a probable cost of around £200,000.
He admitted: "I was reading The Sun and nearly choked on my cornflakes when I saw the challenge.
"But then I thought 'Well, that's the paper the fans read, so why on earth not'.
"I have decided to accept your challenge. As from this morning, anyone who has backed United with me in a single bet to win the Premiership can pick up their winnings.
"I will be flashing a message to every one of my 220 shops today to pay out. I was seriously considering it anyway, but The Sun made my mind up for me."
In February 1998, Done paid out on United winning the title when they were 12 points clear with just seven games to go.
He then got stung for around £500,000 when Arsenal pipped them at the post.
This time there are 15 games to go, they are only six points clear of Leeds and travel to Elland Road in a fortnight.
Yet Done is convinced the threat is even less this season.
He added: "There is no way they can get beaten again. Arsene Wenger has thrown in the towel, Leeds have started to fall away, while the Scousers have too much ground to make up. United will not blow it this year."
Done will have been hit for around £200,000 if United, his 5-4 pre season favourites, justify his confidence. But he faces a double whammy from enraged fans of other sides, desperate to fleece him for his support of Alex Ferguson's men.
Done admitted: "Two years ago, we quoted 8-1 against Arsenal when everyone else was at 6s and I took a hammering from Liverpool fans in my shops on Merseyside.
"You have to put up or shut up over things like this. You can't say you fancy United, as I have, then bottle it on the other teams.
"It could get a bit hairy, with United at Newcastle and Leeds over the next two weeks. But I won't be losing any sleep over it." by The Sun 09/02/2000 BACK TO TOP ^ |
