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

Manchester United face Liverpool at Old Trafford this Sunday knowing that a win against their biggest rivals will guarantee Champions League football next season. It would also represent an incredible turnaround in the two teams' fortunes from this time last year. It looks good, especially with the hand Arne Slot has at his disposal, but the podcast's confidence is very cautious.
Michael Carrick likes to keep his cards close to his chest and he has not been drawn on a potential appointment as permanent manager (or head coach), but he did confirm he had a cup of tea with Sir Jim Ratcliffe last week. Meanwhile, Kobbie Mainoo will hope to celebrate his new contract with a positive performance in the middle of the park; it's not that long ago he and the club were seriously contemplating his departure.
We also hear from Mason Mount about his hopes for next season as the players look to build on the current momentum. And just one more thing; "a win against their biggest rivals"... Are Liverpool actually the number one rivals for Manchester United? We start the debate.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Man United ran through this season's full repertoire in beating Brentford at Old Trafford on Monday night. Casemiro header, tick, Bruno assist, tick, Sesko finish, tick, wobbly spell at the back and nervy last five minutes... tick, tick.
Casemiro put in a statistically remarkable performance but also did lots of Casemiro things and we're forced, once again, to ask, "is there a chance he'll stay on?" Meanwhile, Bruno keeps coming up with new and interesting ways to impress and entertain us, even though there were sticky patches and we've got fresh fitness concerns.
But they did win, for the first time on a Monday since August 2023; thanks to a half-time adjustment from the coaching staff? Carrick's managerial record in this spell now reads won 9, drawn 2, lost 2; he has the most points of any Premier League manager in that time, and his team need just two more to guarantee Champions League football. Bring on Liverpool.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United will host Brentford in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Monday night. The Bees are still in with an outside chance of a top-five finish and Champions League football, but Carrick's men may be able to seal it in this game if other results go their way. However...
Today is all about summer transfers on Talk of the Devils. Laurie Whitwell has returned from paternity leave, dropped a big-read on Super Coaches (featuring no mention of Josep Guardiola)... now he's delivered a detailed update on who the club will be pursuing to boost their ranks for next season.
Two midfielders are still the priority and there's a long long-list. Budgetary matters are dependent on the time and nature of departures, not least Marcus Rashford whose Barcelona career has stuttered recently. An additional defender is also tipped, with Tottenham's Micky van de Ven having several useful qualities.

You can read Laurie's full transfer analysis here.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A man who needs no introduction, least of all to Man United fans, Captain Marvel Bryan Robson joins us in the studio for a jam-packed hour of great stories!
From his playing career, almost 900 games of it (what injuries?!), winning his first major trophy with Man United, and a few more, European glory, and, of course, the celebrations…
We ask him about the current United side as well. What does he make of Bruno, Kobbie, and Casemiro (and who might come next)? And how is former midfielder Michael Carrick doing as manager?
Bryan also tells us about advising young sports stars on money matters via his new venture and there’s the matter of his toughest ever leadership gig, dragging Andy away from the microphones and up Kilimanjaro.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's almost done, then. United defied a defensive *crisis at Stamford Bridge to keep their first clean sheet since February and Matheus Cunha delivered the killer blow to see off Chelsea... we don't even need to tell you who provided the assist.
Ayden Heaven was, eventually, partnered by Noussair Mazraoui at centre half and, with Luke Shaw and the returning Diogo Dalot either side (and Kobbie in front), they looked fairly comfortable despite a slightly rocky start. Chelsea had the ball and the territory but losing Estevao was a blow and Alejandro Garnacho struggled in his place.
All that matters in the end is that two more wins are needed to guarantee Champions League football next season, Bruno is on course for records and awards, and Michael Carrick has settled the nerves again.
Good news from Old Trafford as well, where the U18s set up a Manchester derby FA Youth Cup final by beating Crystal Palace with a goal from JJ Gabriel and an extra-time winner from Chido Obi.

*opinions may vary
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.