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

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.

Another Monday podcast, another day trying to defy the gloom after Erik Ten Hag's men made it one win in six games in the Premier League with a draw at home to relegation candidates Burnley.We're actually talking about the performance, especially the first half, in fairly positive terms. Does that tell a story of lowered expectation? Is the Premier League proving, literally, too strong for this squad to excel?Ten Hag's substitutes drew some ire in the stadium as well. Not so much who came on as who was withdrawn. If the team are to qualify for Europe, and that's no given, then they'll be playing a LOT of games next season, so squad depth will be essential. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian, Andy, and Carl are all feeling a bit better about Manchester United, football, and life in general after Bruno Fernandes inspired a 4-2 home victory against Sheffield United.There was a landmark moment during that game as Ethan Wheatley became the 250th academy graduate to feature for the first team; we get into the nitty gritty of the world's most successful youth system.We also have a brief update on developments at executive level, look at the 17/19 rule on season tickets, and the race to Europe with a trip to improving Burnley up next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can an FA Cup semi-final win at Wembley leave fans feeling empty, if not despairing? That's the conundrum we try to unravel on this podcast.Recorded late on Sunday evening, in a state of serious fatigue, it's a riddle that tests our panel to their limits. What turned this performance from a stroll in the park into a near-catastrophic collapse.So, from substitutions to celebrations, from the sublime to the ridiculous, and from Mongolia to Manchester, we cover plenty of ground trying to get to the bottom of a crazy day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're looking for positives today on Talk of the Devils, and not just from Real Madrid.The U18s won their league this week and there's plenty of talent coming through. We also saw the first meeting of a new committee charged with planning the regeneration of Old Trafford.And, of course, it's Wembley this Sunday for an FA Cup semi-final against Coventry. Swedish sensation Jesper Blomqvist joins us to remember one of the greatest semi-finals in the history of the competition, 25 years ago. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy is feeling a little low after his ambitions were thwarted in dramatic fashion in the Manchester Marathon. Unfortunately, Erik Ten Hag's Manchester United hit roadworks of their own at the Vitality Stadium.A draw, and they were arguably lucky to escape with a point, means the team's Champions League hopes are hanging by the finest of threads. We've a full report on the match and rumours of a press conference spat involving the manager.The FA Cup offers hope for Manchester United's men, and the women will head to Wembley for the final of their equivalent after they beat Chelsea for the first time since the team's reformation.HOST: Ian IrvingWITH: Andy Mitten and Carl AnkaPRODUCER: Ollie Bellwood Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laurie Whitwell is called away from the airport departure lounge to fill us in on his breaking story, that Manchester United's Football Director John Murtough has left his post this week.Promoted internally and given a subtly different job title to many of his supposed equivalents, he has been viewed as a Glazer man by some with all the baggage that brings. But, as Andy and Carl explain, things are rarely as straight-forward as they appear from outside.Meanwhile, it looks like INEOS are going for more of the same from the women's team, with Marc Skinner rumoured to be close to agreeing a new deal. Can they oust Chelsea in this weekend's FA Cup semi-final?We were delighted to hear from Federico Macheda on The Athletic this week, even if it does make us feel quite old... he was full of praise for Kobbie Mainoo after the youngster's identikit goal against Liverpool. What we'd give for a follow-up at Bournemouth!HOST: Ian IrvingWITH: Andy Mitten and Carl AnkaPRODUCER: Ollie Bellwood Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United will finish the season unbeaten against Liverpool after another "silly" game at Old Trafford finished in a two-all draw.After an hour, Erik Ten Hag's men had achieved an xG of 0.01, yet they were level at 1-1, Bruno's magnificent 40-yard effort cancelling out the far-post finish from Luis Diaz at a corner. The game then swung completely when Kobbie Mainoo recreated Federico Macheda's famous curler.Sadly, Liverpool did square it up at the end via a Salah penalty, and the podcast team are now looking anxiously at the mid-table sides gaining ground as the run-in hots up.HOST: Ian IrvingWITH: Carl Anka, Andy MittenPRODUCER: Ollie Bellwood Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two crucial fixtures in West London in the last five days have yielded just one point for Erik Ten Hag's Manchester United. If that wasn't bad enough, they held the lead going into the 99th minute in both games.If Brentford was bad, this was an astonishing evening at Stamford Bridge. Looking fairly comfortable having put together another remarkable comeback, the Red Devils suddenly imploded to throw away all three points.So, what does this result, and the manner of the defeat, mean for Erik Ten Hag's future as Manchester United manager?HOST: Ian IrvingWITH: Andy Mitten, Carl Anka, Laurie WhitwellPRODUCER: Ollie BellwoodExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead ***• Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/reddevils Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It may be Easter, but it feels a lot like a Monday as Ian Irving hosts Andy Mitten and Carl Anka to "pick over the carcass" of Saturday night's performance at Brentford.Such was the home side's dominance, it's easy to forget this finished a draw. But, after Mason Mount's late goal was cancelled out, it felt like a defeat, with comparisons even drawn to the horror show at the same venue last season.What price a win at Chelsea, then, and how will this squad look next season, with question marks over so many of the personnel in midfield and defence? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back after the international break and we are all aboard Kobbie's hype train! After the Carrington graduate bossed Belgium, it's time for the rest of the country to acknowledge what we already knew; Mainoo is the future.Thanks to everyone who sent in questions and requests; we get to as many of those as we can, covering midfield options with or without Casemiro, the future at left-back, and our podcast roles as Man United heroes.Saturday evening sees Ten Hag's men make their first of two upcoming stops in West London. Brentford are this weekend's opponents, bringing back some ugly memories for manager, fans, and podcasters alike.***Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/reddevils Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laurie Whitwell returns to the pod to make it a full complement as we bask in the glory of a magnificent, dramatic, extra time victory over Liverpool in what is being called the greatest FA Cup win in Manchester United's history.There are so many threads to follow from a day packed with drama; the comeback, the supreme performances from young players, stories of redemption, and of course denying Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool at least one trophy in his farewell tour.Enjoy this bumper edition as we go into a short break for the international window. When we return, Erik Ten Hag's team will make their final push for the Champions League and prepare to take on Mark Robins' Coventry at Wembley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a fresh looking line-up on Talk of the Devils as Mark Critchley and Jay Harris drop by to talk Jadon Sancho, money matters, and Liverpool with Ian and Andy.Sancho got his first goal back in yellow at the weekend and Jay was at Bremen to see the game and talk to various Dortmund figures about how the United exile is doing. With Antony also failing to fire in red, it could be an interesting summer for the two big-money signings.Critch, meanwhile, has had a much less interesting assignment; he seems concerned about his new status as our US finance correspondent. And, with a massive game against Liverpool coming up this weekend, the stakes couldn't be higher for Erik Ten Hag. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.