Talk of the Devils: The Athletic FC's Manchester United show

After a drab first half at the Emirates Stadium, the FA Cup third round tie between Arsenal and Manchester United caught fire; so much so, that it brought back memories of the fierce rivalry between the two clubs.Bruno gave United the lead with a superb finish, but Diogo Dalot was dismissed for a rash challenge which brought a second yellow card and things looked difficult with Arsenal equalising soon after.But, Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayandir saved an in-game penalty from Martin Odegaard, helped his defence stand firm, and then denied Kai Havertz in the penalty shootout before Joshua Zirkzee fired home to seal the win. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We were sceptical clubs would come in for Marcus Rashford, but just a few days after he stated his openness to a move there are already some significant suitors. Could this actually happen?Much less likely is a transfer for either Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho: the two FA Youth Cup winners may not be certain starters for Amorim, but fans need not fear a fire sale... the price would have to be right....and with not one, but two FA Cup defences starting this weekend we catch up with the women's team, consider the merits of Arteta's Arsenal, and remember the season of no FA Cup football thanks to the inaugural FIFA club world cup.(Laurie's article, as discussed in the show, lives here... https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1498500/2020/01/02/fergies-calls-to-alastair-campbell-hang-gliding-in-brazil-and-trying-to-sign-rivaldo-the-year-manchester-united-pulled-out-of-the-fa-cup/?source=emp_shared_article) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A committed showing in an entertaining contest at the league leaders; how refreshing was that! It was certainly a pleasant surprise relative to our gloomy expectations.The return of Ugarte and Mainoo helped midfield, as did that of a resurgent Bruno Fernandes, but there were positive performances across the defence, from Diogo Dalot against Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Garnacho off the bench as well. The only big question was why they haven't been able to produce this before now.Marcus Rashford was not included in the squad; an expected move after Ruben Amorim said his training had been limited by illness, but Laurie shed a little light on the wider situation for Rashford with an article earlier in the weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was the worst month for Manchester United in 95 years, yet it started with a four-nil victory and included a famous derby win.We attempt to pick apart the problems of a team learning new patterns of play while negotiating a hectic festive programme and with their most valuable player deemed un-selectable, for the time being at least.Is there much hope for improvement in the near future? We do our best, but it's tough when you're visiting Europe's best team (on form) and the Premier League's hottest attacker of all time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The stats don't make for pretty reading after Bournemouth won 3-0 at Old Trafford, just as they did on their previous visit. In fact, United are setting all the wrong trends with Ruben Amorim's honeymoon period, if he ever had one, well and truly over.The Marcus Rashford situation might not be exactly what fans are making of it, but after he was left out of the squad for a third time, it looks like it may take a little while longer before that's resolved.And, with January on the horizon, Harry Maguire's contract will need addressing or he might leave on a free transfer in the summer. If he does stay on he will probably have to delay any holiday plans, with a tour to Asia mooted. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ruben Amorim rang the changes again as Manchester United tumbled out of the Carabao Cup at the quarter-final stage against Tottenham. Spare a thought, especially, for the goalkeeping coaches.Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford has responded to his recent non-selection by telling journalist Henry Winter that he is now looking for a 'new challenge'. But, many questions remain unanswered.It's Bournemouth next; we're not scared of re-emphasising exactly how tricky that game could be against an eminently 'decent' side. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amad Diallo flipped a dismal derby on its head in the final ten minutes as Manchester United came from behind to win at the Etihad Stadium.Ruben Amorim took a sizeable gamble by leaving Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho out of the squad and, with Mason Mount injured after fifteen minutes, it looked to have backfired.However, the young Ivorian won a penalty which his captain put away and then latched onto a Lisandro Martinez through-ball to finish from an acute angle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Czech town of Plzen created a special beer to celebrate the visit of Manchester United, but after Andre Onana sold Matthijs De Ligt short, the Reds needed a Rasmus Hojlund double to round off the night.After a turgid first half Hojlund, along with Ruben Amorim's other substitutes, injected pace and purpose bringing United level almost immediately and sealing the win late on.To win away in Europe for the first time since March 2023 puts another positive spin on Sunday's derby at the Etihad Stadium against an ailing City side... but we're not getting carried away! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a tumultuous, albeit entirely precedented, weekend at Manchester United football club we break down two huge exclusives involving the team.On Sunday The Athletic's David Ornstein, Adam Crafton, and Laurie Whitwell combined to reveal that Sporting Director Dan Ashworth would leave after just five months in the job. Meanwhile, Andy Mitten published a lengthy and wide-ranging conversation with club minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.We also take time, as everyone at Old Trafford did before the defeat to Nottingham Forest, to share tributes to the club's longest-serving staff member (perhaps ever), the much-loved Kath Phipps.We just about found time to talk about some football, much of which wasn't great; but was it all that bad? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wednesday night's fixture at the Emirates stadium went roughly as expected, including the method of scoring, but was no less disappointing as a result.Ruben Amorim made six changes to his starting line-up, with more alterations in-game, but he loses his impressive personal unbeaten run in the league.Forest are no pushovers this season, we look at the threat they pose, and discuss a story from Adam Crafton about how and why the players abandoned a plan to wear jackets in support of the Premier League's Rainbow Laces campaign. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United four, Everton nil. It's the type of result that shouldn't be as rare as it has become but we're happy with the scoreline and delighted with the performance of the team, despite a fairly unspectacular opening period.Amad Diallo was the man of the match, a 'professional pest' and provider of the fourth goal. That was scored by Joshua Zirkzee, who himself put in possible his best showing at the club so far.There was more unrest at ticket price hikes, including chants against Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and we reflect on your reaction to the news, plus a preview of Arsenal away (that's the league fixture, not the FA Cup third round!). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ruben Amorim's first home match in charge of Manchester United started with a bang and ended with a win over Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt.But, it wasn't all plain sailing; the visitors fought back to lead 2-1 after Garnacho's super-early strike (even quicker than Rashford v Ipswich) and the result wasn't assured until the final whistle blew.A major talking point among those attending the game was the club's decision to disallow any concessions on tickets remaining for sale this season. This was taken without fan consultation, contrary to an agreed protocol between the club and fan representative groups, and has provoked significant anger. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marcus Rashford was on the scoresheet after just 81 seconds of Ruben Amorim's first game as Manchester United manager, rounding off a very encouraging move after good work from Amad Diallo.Unfortuntately, that was as good as it got with Kieran McKenna's Ipswich fighting back to earn a point; perhaps a lesson for the Portuguese on exactly how competitive the Premier League is.There was plenty to digest from that game, from positional play to passion and spectacular saves, and there's likely to be a fair bit more to come over the next few matches starting with a fascinating Bodo Glimt side on Thursday night. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Premier League football returns after the November international break and the trip to Ipswich this Sunday(!) was on absolutely nobody's lips at Carrington on Friday.That's because a sizeable press contingent had assembled to greet the club's new manager, or should that be head coach, Ruben Amorim.Ian, Laurie, and Carl took part in said press conference with Andy listening in and we share our (mostly) first impressions of the Portuguese 39 year-old as he prepares his squad for Portman Road. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The podcast team have returned from touring Britain and Ireland and we're wearing our fatigue heavily; well, some of us are... others are buzzing for Amorim's United. But, what's the right way to deal with the excitement?It would be another huge boost to have Tyrell Malacia, a genuine left-back, returning to the pitch. He has been talking exclusively to Mark Critchley about the reasons behind his extended break with injury, and some of the crazier theories that emerged about why he was keeping a low profile.And, we get to your questions on a wide range of subjects from youth team formations to the new coaches via european loyalty points. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The lads are feeling a little bit worse for wear as we record in our hotel lobby after two nights on tour at Manchester's Lowry Theatre and the Limelight in Belfast.It's a relatively quiet week at Manchester United with the new manager getting his feet under the desk amid a men's international break, but Laurie had a (short-lived) exclusive when we learned that Ruud van Nistelrooy has left the club.We'll get into Ruben Amorim's in-tray next week, when we want your messages please, but we put down some early thoughts and glanced at a stuttering season for the Women's team, in contrast to the boys' U18s who are firing on all cylinders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The era of Ruud's interim Reds has come to an end, and it's been a near-perfect run. Three wins from four games, including Sunday's 3-0 win over Leicester, sees confidence much-improved since Erik Ten Hag left.Ruben Amorim was due to start work at Manchester United on Monday 11th November, but visa friction may mean a slight delay. Nevertheless, we've got some fascinating material gathered by Charlotte Harpur as we try to get under the skin of the new man. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can a win be described as "routine" when it's your first in more than a year? If so, that's what 'Ruud's unbeaten interim Reds' achieved on Thursday night at Old Trafford.Amad Diallo was the clear stand-out performer, first breaking the deadlock with a looped header from a searching Fernandes cross. He made the second himself with persistent pressing, a strong run, and a sharp finish. 2-0, job done.That's not to say it was all plain sailing; van Nistelrooy was not pleased with the first-half performance and demanded better in the second. His time as manager will end with the Leicester game on Sunday but it remains to be seen if he will leave the club altogether. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ruben Amorim has been officially confirmed as the next manager, or 'head coach', of Manchester United. He will start work on Monday November 11th, coincidentally the day of our live show at Manchester's Lowry Theatre!We're making sure, as we did with Ralf Rangnick, that we leave no stone unturned when it comes to learning how to pronounce Ruben Amorim. Is the media's very positive take on the Portuguese matched by fan sentiment?One thing is for sure, he has a big job in front of him. The man who now has most influence on how big that job will be is Ruud van Nistelrooy. The caretaker followed a good Carabao Cup win with a dull draw at home v Chelsea, which must be followed by victory over PAOK on Thursday night. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laurie brings us the latest details from the negotiations between Sporting Lisbon and Manchester United with a deal apparently agreed for the release of Ruben Amorim to join the club. But, it won't be an immediate move and there are still elements to sort out including the transfer of some assistants and coaching staff.Ruud van Nistelrooy, then, will continue as interim boss and things started very well for him as Leicester City were dispatched from the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night. His side led 4-2 at half-time and hit five in all, albeit not without a bit of luck here and there.What next for Ruud; will he stay on under Amorim? We consider his future, answer a selection of your questions about an eventful week, and look ahead to a huge match against Chelsea (and, frankly, Cole Palmer) this weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As revealed exclusively for The Athletic by Adam Crafton and David Ornstein on Monday lunchtime, Manchester United have relieved manager Erik Ten Hag of his duties after the team's latest defeat in the Premier League at West Ham.So, where did it all go wrong for the man who arrived from Ajax with a reputation for strict discipline and a winning track record. He did win two trophies, the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup, but the team's form in the Premier League and European competition fell far below the standard required at Old Trafford.And, following The Athletic's second huge exclusive of the day, Ian and Laurie make a late amendment to the podcast with a discussion of Ruben Amorim and why he has been identified as the man to replace Ten Hag. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's difficult to know what to make of Erik Ten Hag's Manchester United. We know they're not going to win the league, but can you honestly make a solid prediction beyond that?In the Europa League, it'll be tricky to finish the first phase outside the top eight, but with three points from the first three games it's now not unthinkable. Strangest of all; at the end of ninety minutes in Istanbul, the happiest in the stadium seemed to be the one complaining about not getting a penalty.West Ham at the Olympic Stadium next; not too many happy memories from that ground, or are there? Luckily, we do actually find our happy place precisely 20 years ago, when Arsenal's 49-game unbeaten run ran headlong into an immovable Phil Neville and the slice hit the man. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The mood is "off the floor" after Rasmus Hojlund scored the winning goal in a game at Old Trafford against "decent Premier League side" Brentford. In fact, all the 'big' attacking players contributed, which is great news.It could be important news as well, with a win in Europe long overdue and a trip to Istanbul up next. Jose Mourinho is not the only familiar face in the Fenerbahce camp, but they are a club with worries that might sound familiar to Manchester United fans as well. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United have decided to terminate the contract of a manager, but it's not the current one.Sir Alex Ferguson's role as a paid ambassador for the club will come to an end this summer, and it's a decision which has provoked a strong reaction, especially from some notable former players. Fans seem mixed, and our panel can certainly see both sides of the argument.The women's team head to Brighton, the former club of red-hot striker Elisabeth Terland, with a 100% win record so far this season while Ten Hag's men face a tough test at Brentford. The first ninety seconds could be crucial in that one!Donate to Andy Mitten's Kilimanjaro fundraiser for the Manchester United Foundation by clicking here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonny Evans rolled back the years to provide Manchester United's defence with a vintage performance and a clean sheet.Sadly, Ten Hag's attackers couldn't find the net again. The game was goalless, and provided very little by way of entertainment or clues as to the future of Erik Ten Hag.Who better to put a spring in our steps (especially Andy, we hope) but Captain Marvel himself, Bryan Robson joins the pod to fill us in on a special charity challenge.Click here to donate to Andy (and Robbo)'s Kilimanjaro fund for Manchester United Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's a hint of crazed laughter in the voices of Ian Irving, Carl Anka, Andy Mitten, and Laurie Whitwell as they dissect the latest madcap entry in Erik Ten Hag's Manchester United soap opera.Twenty minutes in, two-nil up and cruising, the team once again snatched chaos from the jaws of victory as they conceded twice before half-time, went behind less than five minutes after the break, and then lost captain Bruno Fernandes to a red card for the second successive match.Harry Maguire's emphatic header from a Christian Eriksen corner saved a Europa League point, but will it save the manager? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's a question mark in the podcast title, but there isn't much doubt in our camp. The first half against Spurs at Old Trafford on Sunday was the most disjointed, mistake-ridden performance we've seen since Erik Ten Hag became manager of Manchester United.Bruno Fernandes red card was harsh, there's agreement there as well; but, by then, much of the damage had been done. For the second time in a week, an opposition defender carried the ball forty yards through the heart of midfield to set up a goal and the fragile atmosphere shattered.So, once again, we're asking THAT question. The executive team, aiming to win the Premier League by 2028, chose to back their man in the summer but can he provide enough of an upturn in the team's results (and performances) to stretch his tenure as far as 2025? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Irving, fresh from the stands at Old Trafford, holds court with Carl, Laurie Whitwell, and Mr Mitten as we cast judgement over another disappointing performance in Europe.FC Twente, despite a rich history (one which features Erik Ten Hag in three spells), have the lowest UEFA coefficient of any of United's opponent's in this season's Europa League. That didn't stop them fighting back to earn a point, though, as Sam Lammers levelled following a series of mistakes and weak challenges.Christian Eriksen was robbed of possession for the Dutch side's goal; a shame, as the night had been going pretty well for him. He celebrated his fourth consecutive start with a sharp strike from the edge of the box. Next up for Manchester United, Eriksen's old club Tottenham. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The performance of Erik Ten Hag's side at Crystal Palace was, according to Laurie Whitwell, the most complete of his tenure. Yet, in order to be actually complete, the team need to put the ball in the net. Who's going to stick their hand up?Marcus Rashford might have been high on your list of names there, but he was named on the bench at Selhurst Park. Rotated, not dropped, and Alejandro Garnacho deserved his chance to start.Erik Ten Hag's boyhood team, FC Twente, will be the visitors in Wednesday's Europa League opener: it's a match that absolutely doesn't matter given the format of this year's competition. Yet, after the Palace result, this one does matter, and Andy says we should target this trophy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Mitten secured an exclusive interview with Gary Neville this week, one which was reported widely (and sometimes inaccurately) by the press. We get his take first hand as the Old Trafford task force prepares to gather opinion from fans and local residents.The WSL returns this week, and The Athletic's Charlotte Harpur has just arrived in Manchester where she'll have a news brief including coverage of United's women's team. It's been an eventful summer, one that has seen significant changes to the squad, and there are many questions to be answered as Marc Skinner's side prepare for the visit of West Ham on Saturday.Erik Ten Hag's men brushed Barnsley aside in the Carabao Cup and are growing in confidence with a trip to Crystal Palace coming up this weekend. The Londonders aren't in their best form, so one thing is pretty much guaranteed; it will be more enjoyable than the last visit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nobody's underestimating the achievement of a win on the South Coast but, despite a hairy opening half-hour, Saturday's three points at Southampton were won in relatively routine fashion... we're taking it.Meanwhile, Manchester United's senior executives have assembled on the riviera in Barcelona where they have been discussing strategy and planning. Laurie pressed a metaphorical glass against the wall and lets us know what he knows about the major talking points.Erik Ten Hag's squad will face Barnsley at Old Trafford on Tuesday night in the Carabao Cup. Can they sell seven thousand tickets for the away end? Not at the advertised price, it seems.(TIckets to our live shows in Belfast, https://www.ents24.com/uk/tour-dates/talk-of-the-devils-live, and Dublin, https://www.nch.ie/all-events-listing/talk-of-the-devils-live/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The band are back together as the international break draws to a close and we're looking ahead to a Southampton game which feels like it has a lot riding on it; for Manchester United, of course, but also for Erik Ten Hag with fan opinion split down the middle on his future.The Athletic FC's recent survey of all their Manchester subscribers showed that, while there was strong support for INEOS and a big thumbs up for summer transfer business, expectation of results on the pitch aren't any higher than the end of last season.And, with mixed fortunes for United's international players, we take a closer look at how Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte, and Matthijs de Ligt might be used in these next few games with so much at stake, plus a little bonus from Laurie's chat with Angel Gomes to mark his England debut. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arne Slot's Liverpool came to Old Trafford and won in second gear in his third game in charge; a damning indictment of Manchester United in the Premier League under Erik Ten Hag.It all feels horribly familiar as we ask many of the same questions on the first "Monday inquest" of a new season. Is there a case for giving the manager and the squad any slack at the end of a busy transfer window, one that had looked very productive.Irish listeners will take some cheer from the news that our long-promised ticket update for the live show in Dublin has finally arrived, and we have also added an extra date in Belfast! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The summer transfer window is coming to a close and, albeit with several loose ends yet to be tied up, it looks like Manchester United have done what many fans have long hoped for and moved on several fringe players.One of those loose ends is the uncertain future of Jadon Sancho. With rumoured interest from Chelsea seemingly reliant on a player swap, would Raheem Sterling actually make sense, or might there be other players who would serve the squad better.And, with Liverpool making the short hop to Old Trafford this weekend, we use your memories of this fixture to get the fire burning. Hopefully, Erik Ten Hag can get one over on his compatriot, the more fashionable (?) Arne Slot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another defeat to Brighton (bogey status confirmed), another late goal conceded (inverse Fergie Time pending), another problem defending a set-piece. This game had a worryingly familiar feel.We're also worried about goalscoring in general, and specifically Marcus Rashford's form (even if he didn't justify all the criticism he got). However, there were positives, and we promise to get into those as well.And with five days to go in the summer transfer window, a fee has been agreed with Napoli for Scott McTominay. Should the deal go through, maybe with a move for Jadon Sancho and some smaller sales, it could end up as a productive summer of outgoings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's that rarest of beasts, a relatively quiet week in the existence of Manchester United. Despite that, there's a host of interesting questions as Erik Ten Hag prepares his squad for a trip to Brighton.Listeners were eager to know more about potential recruits at left-back and in midfield, but with barely a week left in the summer transfer window, the sale of Facundo Pellistri isn't thought to be enough to free up PSR breathing space.What about that game at the Amex Stadium. It's their first home fixture in the Premier League since losing 1-0 to... Manchester United at the end of last season. Ten Hag's men didn't play to their peak that day, and there's a very little margin for error this time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joshua Zirkzee might not be the most high profile signing of the summer but he got his club career off to the perfect start with a goal on his home debut. A goal that, finally, broke the deadlock and proved to be decisive.Immediately after the final whistle at Old Trafford, Ian, Andy, and Laurie reflect on an encouraging win over a decent Fulham outfit and a positive, if imperfect, performance from Erik Ten Hag's team.One man who wasn't involved was Jadon Sancho. A minor medical issue was the official cause, but with a fractious history between the player and the manager, there was inevitable speculation about another falling out or even a potential transfer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the eve of the new Premier League and Manchester United, bolstered by the confirmed signings of De Ligt and Mazraoui, had more good news in the shape of a new contract for club captain Bruno Fernandes.Yet another muscle injury for Luke Shaw did take the shine off things a bit, and according to The Athletic's fan survey, fans are nowhere near as positive as we seem to be.With Fulham coming to Old Trafford on Friday night, we asked for your questions and you DID NOT disappoint. Here we go again!To buy tickets to TotD LIVE in Manchester, go to https://thelowry.com/whats-on/talk-of-the-devils-podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The full podcast squad assemble at Hotel Football, overlooking Old Trafford, to look ahead to the new Premier League season which starts with the visit of Fulham on Friday night.Defeat, via penalties, to City in the Community Shield had us feeling low at the weekend. But, with time to reflect and reinforcements arriving from Munich, there's growing confidence in the air.So, what is left to do in the transfer market, who will Ten Hag put his faith in this season, and is the 'Mitten-standard' for success enough to satisfy us this time around? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Third time's the charm; it's our summer comeback number three as Ian Irving, Andy Mitten, Laurie Whitwell, and Carl Anka review Manchester United's US tour and look ahead to the Community Shield and the Premier League season.The warm-ups are done and, with the small matter of a Wembley showdown against Manchester City before the Premier League gets underway, we look at potential recruits to strengthen the squad (and cover for frustrating injuries).We've also got a couple of exciting announcements with the news of a new Manchester United whatsapp channel from The Athletic and two Talk of the Devils live shows.To buy tickets to TotD LIVE in Manchester, go to https://thelowry.com/whats-on/talk-of-the-devils-podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian and Carl in normal surroundings, Andy and Laurie living it up on the West Coast. Talk of the Devils returns (again) for a dip into the US pre-season tour and a round-up of the latest news back in Manchester.A 2-1 defeat to Arsenal didn't concern us much, with the result an afterthought and positive performances from established first team players (and one or two hopefuls).... but, there is some worry after injuries forced Rasmus Hojlund and Leny Yoro off before half-time.Closer to home, literally, and Laurie has been writing about an ambitious plan for a new one-hundred thousand seater stadium next to Old Trafford. What that means for the current stadium, and the surrounding area, is not clear but it is an intriguing development in what is already something of a saga.And, of course, we catch up with developments in the transfer market, with right-back seemingly the position of most interest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An episode of your favourite Manchester United podcast... in July! We're really spoiling you with a midsummer catch-up amid a hive of activity at Carrington and throughout the club, including significant staff cuts as anticipated earlier in the year.Maybe that should read Midsommar... with Ten Hag's early pre-season squad (and Andy Mitten) in Trondheim for a pipe-opener in the Norwegian sunshine. Not that the manager seemed to be enjoying it much after his team were beaten by a late goal.Lots of positivity around as well, though, with INEOS-appointed executives getting to work and a re-jigged coaching team ready to welcome new signing Joshua Zirkzee into the fold. Rumours of an 'Oranje' change kit may be speculation at this stage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the least surprising emergency podcast in history: Erik Ten Hag will continue as the manager of Manchester United into the 2024/25 season. Nevertheless, the podcasters have assembled at short notice; breaking away from holidays, tours, Euro preparations, and a haircut, to get into some of the questions... and there are many.How was the decision reached, and why did it take so long? How much did the FA Cup final affect the thinking? Is everyone fully on board? How close did any other candidate get to taking over? And, most importantly, what does the future hold, both for the man himself and his team?PRODUCER: Ollie BellwoodEXEC PRODUCER: Adrian Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian, Andy, Carl & Laurie gather to reflect and an incredible performance from United to win the FA Cup at Wembley!How did Erik ten Hag mastermind victory and is that his final game in charge?There is discussion and analysis from the game and behind the scenes from a memorable day to end a very forgettable season.The lads also detail the latest on the future of the Manchester United manager.PRODUCER: Ollie BellwoodEXEC PRODUCER: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So, here it is, the season finale. Unfortunately, the Premier League has not ended as we would have liked, and Erik Ten Hag's men will need to win the FA Cup final if they want to play in Europe next season.Under normal circumstances, that would be a good distance short of what is expected from a Manchester United manager and he would be seeking employment elsewhere. Of course, these are not normal circumstances.So, the full podcast team get into the nitty gritty of United's least fruitful league campaign since 1990 and try to map a route to cup victory against (ASTERISK) the best club team in recent history.NB we do take the occasional detour!PRODUCER: Ollie BellwoodEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Adrian Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United's men beat European rivals Newcastle in their last home game of the season to rekindle hope of European qualification via the Premier League (for a few days at least). After Chelsea won at Brighton, though, the only route to the Europa League is by winning the FA Cup.Manager Erik Ten Hag delivered a rousing speech to the crowd after the game, thanked the fans, and reaffirmed ALL his players' commitment to the cause.Tributes were paid to this season's successful Academy teams as well, and the Women's FA Cup was added to the honours board, although the mood is mixed amid cost-cutting measures by Sir Jim Ratcliffe's new backroom team.PRODUCER: Ollie BellwoodEXEC PRODUCER: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A podcast very much in three parts for you on a stormy Sunday night in May with Andy and Ian braving the Manchester rain and Carl looking nervously out of his twentieth floor window...Arsenal did what was expected of them at Old Trafford, winning for just the second time in seventeen attempts, despite a slightly brighter performance from Ten Hag's men. Meanwhile, at Wembley, Ella Toone inspired Manchester United's women to a performance that absolutely validated their favouritism in the FA Cup final....and something a little different, and very exciting, for you to finish the show. None other than David Beckham speaking to Andy Mitten on the red carpet at the Manchester premiere of new film 99, a documentary about that year's famous treble-winning team.PRODUCER: Ollie BellwoodEXEC PRODUCER: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another full house but we're a bit more relaxed now, a few days after that chastening result at Selhurst Park. One member of the team has even been brave enough to watch the game back again!Now that everyone has calmed down, we have a more measured look at where Erik Ten Hag stands as Manchester United manager, whether there are any threatening candidates (or not), and whether he gets a slightly raw deal from the media....And there's a 'Super' Sunday in store with the potential for an annoying clash between the Women's FA Cup Final v Spurs and the men facing Arsenal at home, a fixture they've only lost once in the last sixteen iterations.PRODUCER: Ollie BellwoodEXEC PRODUCER: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's another unwanted inquest on Talk of the Devils with Laurie Whitwell back in the UK and Manchester United back in the mire.In fact, the whole podcast team are on hand as we dig into some heavy questions prompted by Crystal Palace's dismantling of a depleted United side. The biggest of those is whether the performance was bad enough for Erik Ten Hag to be relieved of his duties before the end of the current season.Casemiro's form hit a new low but the whole team was some distance below acceptable standards and Ten Hag refused to single out individuals, instead citing a failure to 'follow the script'. Several television pundits said the writing is on the wall for the Dutchman, but does he deserve to lead the team out at Wembley?PRODUCER: Ollie BellwoodEXEC PRODUCER: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It looks like Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS team have really taken the rudder at Manchester United, and the latest in a series of changes at executive level demonstrate just that.But, with many football clubs close to the edge of their budgets, a quiet summer of transfer activity is expected and that means recruiting players will be challenging.We asked for your priorities and used the answer to go through the current squad to try and shed some light on which players are likely to leave and who will be key to next season's campaign.PRODUCER: Ollie BellwoodEXEC PRODUCER: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.