Bookie who paid out on United set to lose big

A leading high street bookmaker is set to lose over £500,000 after paying out early on Manchester United to win the Premier League.

Betfred founder and massive Manchester United fan Fred Done paid out over half a million pounds to United backers in early April when United went five points clear at the top of the table.

However, City are now in pole position to win the league with Betfred themselves only offering odds of 1/10 that they will lift the trophy on Sunday. City just need to beat Queen's Park Rangers on the final day of the season to secure the title.

It is not the first time that Fred, whose catchphrase is "don't mess about," has prematurely paid-out on United with expensive consequences.

In 1998, he lost £500,000 when he became the first bookmaker to ever pay out early on a title race when United were 12 points clear of rivals Arsenal, only to see the Gunners roar back to clinch the league.

Last month on Twitter he confidently boasted that he would not be proved wrong this time.

"Even with the (Manchester) derby to come a five point lead is just too much for City, so once again I'm letting my United punters have their dough early to the tune of just over half million quid," he said.

"Back in 1998 Fergie told me to never pay out early again but Sir Alex need not worry, I've not got it wrong this time, United are past the post for a record twentieth Premier League title."