Betfred Boss: It's Done and Dusted for United

And that comes despite the Salford bookie famously losing over £1million by paying punters early on United and getting burned twice before - including last season.

And that comes despite the Salford bookie famously losing over £1million by paying punters early on United and getting burned twice before - including last season.

Sunday's 2-0 victory for Sir Alex Ferguson's men over Everton combined with Manchester City's shock 3-1 loss at Southampton extended the Red Devils' lead at the top to 12 points.

And Done decided to hand over £300,000 to United backers with 12 games still to play - almost a third of the campaign, including a derby against nearest challengers City.

Fred Done said: "After it all went wrong last year, my missus made me promise to never do it again.

"But with United 12 points clear with just 12 games left the title race is over - so my punters can collect their dough on United."

The Betfred chief was the first person to pay out early on United in March of 1998, when they blew an identical 12-point lead and were pipped to the title by a point by Arsenal.

That cost lifelong Reds fan Done a cool half a million - a loss matched last term after paying out on United when five points clear with seven games remaining.

A late collapse saw bitter rivals Manchester City famously snatch the title with virtually the last kick of the season against Queens Park Rangers.

Done is risking the wrath of Sir Alex Ferguson and United fans. Fergie told him never to repeat the move after 1998, and fans have blamed him for jinxing last season's challenge.

But despite being stung in the past he is sure that there is now no way back for United's rivals - and insists they are a cert to clinch a 20^th Premier League crown.

Meanwhile Manchester United are preparing to take on Real Madrid in the Champions League and they are 4/1 at http://www.betfred.com to win the first leg.