Monday’s 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers puts Manchester United 5 points clear of their closest (in two senses of the word) rivals, Manchester City. Subsequently, a United-supporting bookie, BetFred’s Fred Done, has taken the unusual step of paying out on the bet that his team will retain the title (which would be a historic 20th domestic league championship for Man U).

But this isn’t the first time Done’s paid out early. Back in 1998, he was confident that United would win the championship when they were 12 points clear of Arsenal, paying out £500,000. However, they went on to lose the title by one point. In response, United’s manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, told him to never pay out early again. Done, though, is confident that United will win this time.

He’s not the only one who is certain that Manchester United will win the domestic league this year. A group of United supporters have started selling jerseys that are emblazoned with CHAMP20NS and that also poke fun at Manchester City — the world’s richest club — with a wry “Money only gets you so far . . .”

Come May, they may either be jumping with delight, or ridiculed.