NANI'S last-gasp winner left bookies reeling as Man United hit back from 2-0 down to win the Community Shield.
Despite the five-goal thriller I was spot on with my prediction that the first goal would be scored after the 31st minute. That paid 23-20 with William Hill.
Bookies were preparing to toast a penalty shoot-out with moments to go until United snatched victory to give favourite backers the first spoils of the new season.
Ladbrokes spokesman David Williams said: “It was very nearly a brilliant afternoon. West Ham's defeat and the Wembley draw would have been as good a day as we could have hoped for.
“But Nani's goal was a shocker. It signalled a massive turnaround for the punters who were all over United and they've drawn first blood.”
William Hill have cut United from 8-15 to 1-2 to finish above City in the Premier League this season. City are 1-3 with Hills to end the season with one of the major trophies while United are 4-5 to do likewise.
Hills, who were offering United at up to 18-1 in-play to come back from two behind to win, were also left cursing Nani's late strike.
Spokesman Graham Sharpe said: “With seconds to go we were congratulating ourselves on a six-figure winning draw and seconds later we were looking at a six-figure loser.
“We took a total of £960 for United at 18-1, including one of £100, then one online punter from Scotland was confident enough to stake £1000 on the comeback at 16-1 and another had £500.”
United keeper David de Gea was criticised for his part in City's second goal and Hills have opened a book on how many Premier League goals he will start this season. They offer 29 or less at 6-4, 30 to 32 at 4-1 and 33 or more at 10-11.
Meanwhile, after West Ham's shock defeat to Cardiff boss Sam Allardyce is 11-4 with William Hill to be gone by the end of the season (1-4 to remain).
Leicester are now clear Championship favourites at 7-2 withHills followed by West Ham 9-2, Ipswich 12-1, Cardiff 14-1 and Blackpool, Brighton and Forest 16-1.
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
