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

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.

Once again, it wasn't pretty, but Manchester United got the job done. two-nil at home with Alejandro Garnacho winning two first-half penalties, scored by different players.The same questions remain, though. Casemiro's wasteful performance with the ball was the latest worrying midfield display and a huge performance was required by both centre halves, especially this season's unexpected hero Jonny Evans.One person who didn't enjoy Saturday's game is Evertonian Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester. He joins us to discuss his role on a new task force of "decision makers" aiming to get the ball rolling on the redevelopment of Old Trafford and the surrounding area. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team have relocated to Hotel Football, overlooking a very famous waterway, not that Ian Irving would know. We're going in-depth today, first on Andre Onana, the subject of 'cautious optimism' and a detailed profile by Andy Mitten and Carl Anka.Slightly less optimistic, though not without hope, is the outlook for Manchester United's Women's team. They haven't been able to recreate the magic of last season having lost key players. Might they lose an even bigger asset in Mary Earps?...and, with Everton coming to Old Trafford this weekend, there's no room for any sentiment with wins at an absolute premium.***We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey24. Three lucky entries will win £/$100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. • Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/reddevils Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marcus Rashford would have been a huge talking point on Manchester derby day whatever happened after his op-ed for the Players Tribune. But, with less than ten minutes on the clock, he struck hope into red hearts with a lightning strike from thirty yards.Throughout the first half Erik Ten Hag's innovative selection had Pep and City frustrated, albeit they used the lion's share of possession and territory to carve out some decent chances, one in particular...But, Phil Foden turned the game on its head with two goals, and we were left wondering if this was a worrying indictment of United's status quo or if injuries were sufficient to justify the game-plan.***We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey24. Three lucky entries will win £/$100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you're a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback.• Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/reddevils Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The awesome foursome are united once again on Monday morning after Manchester United scraped through to the FA Cup quarter finals at the City Ground.Casemiro's late run, late in the game, was just enough to edge out relegation-threatened Forest in a "scrappy" encounter, and Erik Ten Hag was in a scrappy mood himself, defending Bruno (who assisted the goal with inventive free-kick delivery).However, the Manchester Derby comes next and, with so many positional problems it's difficult to be bullish about this one. Will Andy's hearty rallying cry inspire the team, and the fans, to turn Manchester red again? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Monday morning full-house from the podcast team, but there's precious little positivity on offer after Manchester United lost at home to Marco Silva's Fulham.An injury to Rasmus Hojlund in training on Friday was a huge blow and it was alarming how much that unsettled the United attack. Our main concern, though, is how familiar many of the team's problems look.Erik Ten Hag bemoaned the inability to sign an additional striker over the last two transfer windows, but there's no doubting the pressure on the manager now to produce results; starting with the FA Cup tie at Nottingham Forest on Wednesday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have, after an arduous process, completed their partial takeover of Manchester United and will now assume control of football operations.We'll hear from Sir Jim himself, speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday afternoon in central London. The Athletic's Adam Crafton was there, and he joins us to reflect on a wide-ranging discussion.From stadium development to corporate structure via player trading, FFP, and Monday mornings across Manchester, get the lowdown on the man who wants to take United back to the top.Producer: Ollie BellwoodExec Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/reddevils to grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United won 2-1 at Luton's Kenilworth Road on Sunday night, and Andy Mitten was the happiest man in Bedfordshire.It wasn't all plain sailing, despite Rasmus Hojlund setting new Premier League record's for United's fastest goal and their fastest two-goal lead away from home.In fact, it became a bit of a chore. Partly because Luton showed their resilience, but also as a result of some tactical errors by senior pros. Thank Carrington, then, for Kobbie Mainoo who put in another calm, collected performance in midfield.Producer: Ollie BellwoodExec Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/reddevils to grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United have identified Newcastle's Dan Ashworth as their primary target for the position of Sporting Director. With investment from Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS nearing approval, a period of dramatic change seems inevitable.It's a fascinating time for us to be able to talk in depth with the club's Director of Academy, Nick Cox. In a wide-ranging discussion, we get into the realities of turning raw young talents into successful players and men.And, with a trip to Luton coming up this weekend, Ian, Andy, and Laurie are excited to see how Erik Ten Hag's men cope with the unique challenge that is Kenilworth Road.Producer: Ollie BellwoodExec Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Grow your business - no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/reddevils Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian, Carl, and Laurie are up bright and early on Monday morning in the hope that we can catch Andy Mitten has he passes through yet another airport. This time, it's India, where he enjoyed Manchester United's huge win at Villa in the company of a club legend.Scott McTominay earned that win with another late goal, prompting a magnificent stat from Laurie. We get into his unique role and a renewed determination from the team that left Erik Ten Hag in bullish mood.It was a great evening for Harry Maguire who dominated at set-pieces and Diogo Dalot had another good game as well. The pursuit of Champions League football feels like it's firmly back on track!Producer: Ollie BellwoodExec Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Grow your business - no matter what stage you’re in. 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 is sixty six years since the Munich Air Disaster and the death of Sir Bobby Charlton in October means all survivors of the crash have now passed away. Yet, in recent years attendance at services in Munich and at Old Trafford have grown. We discuss the crash's legacy, Daniel Taylor's articles on The Athletic, and how the anniversary is observed.Robin van Persie returned to Carrington this week to fulfil a requirement of his UEFA Pro License with the Dutch FA. Yet, rumours of an "Arsenal snub" are exactly that, if not worse. We get into the clickbait industry that has been built on modern football's super-clubs.Coming up next for Erik Ten Hag's team; a trip to Aston Villa. While recent performances have been encouraging, and quite a few fond memories at Villa Park, there's an air of concern with no margin for error in the Champions League race.Producer: Ollie BellwoodExec 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.

Recorded post-match at Old Trafford: Ian Irving, Andy Mitten, and Carl Anka are revelling in the slightly unfamiliar feeling of a comfortable win at home. What's more, it came against a pretty good West Ham team and, by a three goal margin.Birthday boy Rasmus Hojlund got the scoring underway with the only goal of a "pleasantly boring" first half, and Alejandro Garnacho notched twice in the second period with a cheeky nod to Mohammed Kudus... or was it Ronaldo?!The only dark cloud on the day was Lisandro Martinez's knee injury; we're hoping it's not as serious as the player's reaction might suggest.Producer: Ollie BellwoodExec 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.

Ian, Carl, Andy, and Laurie expected to be talking about Marcus Rashford, hoped to be talking about a Manchester United win, but had no clue about the rest.In the end, the evening belonged to Kobbie Mainoo. The 18 year-old scored his first senior goal for the club, a wonderful run and finish, and it was the last-minute winner in a seven-goal thriller!All this came after Rashford was chosen to start the game, scored five minutes in, and set Ten Hag's men on the way to a dominant first half that should have seen the game done and dusted long before the dramatic finale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It wasn't all about Marcus Rashford this weekend, but his absence (through 'illness') did provide a medium sized distraction as Erik Ten Hag prepared his squad for a trip to fourth-tier Newport County. What next for the 26 year-old forward who shone last year but can't consistently reach the heights his talent promises?In the end, the return of some key figures saw the Red Devils through fairly comfortably; although there were a few palpitations when Bryn Morries and Will Evans levelled the scores at 2-2. We discuss Altay Bayindir's competitive debut and Antony's first goal of the season.Bristol City or Nottingham Forest await in the fifth round but, next up, a Wednesday EVENING kick-off at Wolverhampton, which usually proves "attritional". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've got a full complement again as we dip briefly back into the Omar Berrada hire with The Athletic publishing fresh details on how the club got their man.Anthony Martial has undergone groin surgery, which means he will be out for ten weeks. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, he may have played his last game in a spell that leaves us asking what could have been.Manchester United have a game of football this weekend and everyone at Newport County is excited to be hosting the first ever competitive fixture between the two clubs, not least their manager Graham Coughlan, a huge United fan.To vote for Talk of the Devils in the Sports Podcast Awards, go to: https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-team-podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian, Carl, Laurie & Andy discuss the huge story broken exclusively by The Athletic’s David Ornstein that Omar Berrada will move from Manchester City to become Manchester United’s new CEO..Plus there is time to answer a selection of questions from listeners across a range of topics including the summer transfer window and the United player you'd love to have seen play. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A bit of finances special by taking a dive in to United’s latest financial results and making sense of what it means for the club on and off the pitchWe’ll bring you the latest transfer news - not much coming in but a bit going out, and there’s news from Sir Jim Ratcliffe's meetings with fans and locals this week as well plus yet more detail on how his investment was negotiated and completed.The whole crew are here - Ian , Carl, Andy & Laurie - as well as our mate Mark Critchley to explain United’s first quarter financial results which were announced yesterday and how it affects United keeping on in line with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability RulesIt’s an episode on FFP, PSR & SECs but we’re hoping to still have a few LOLs in there too as always… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian, Carl, Laurie & Andy breakdown United's two-two draw against Spurs at Old Trafford - was the performance a worry or should it be seen as a good point?Are we seeing signs of Marcus Rashford returning to full fitness? And Laurie & Ian share their first impressions of sharing a room with Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coming up today Ian, Laurie & Andy take a deep dive into one of the most significant characters at INEOS - Sir Dave Brailsford. The Athletic's Matt Slater joins the pod to give his unique insight into Brailsford's background and what he can bring to United.We’ll also of course look ahead to United back in action in the Premier League at home to Spurs -a match where Sir Dave is expected to be joined by his boss Sir Jim.. no doubt sat next to Sir Alex.***• Grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/reddevilsTo vote for Talk of the Devils in the Sports Podcast Awards, go to: https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-team-podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.