Assistant manager Mike Phelan has accepted Manchester United will have to get used to a more open Premier League title race this season (Manchester United 12/5 Premier League – Outright).

A 1–0 defeat by Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Saturday means the champions trail leaders Chelsea by three points ahead of Tuesday’s visit of Wolves (Man United 1/6 draw 5/1 Wolves 10/1 match bets).

The result was perhaps not that surprising given that the visitors had arrived in good form to end a 26-year wait for maximum points at Old Trafford and on a weekend of coupon busters.

Chelsea could only manage a 3-3 draw against injury-hit Everton, Tottenham were beaten –0 at home to Wolves and Manchester City were held 3-3 by Bolton on their travels.

Only Villa and Arsenal emerged with any credit and Phelan is convinced there will be  more drama along the way.

“The competition is of a higher standard this year,” he said.

“There are a lot more good players about and plenty of good teams who are very well organised.

“There is nothing easy and every team will drop points.”

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