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

A Patrick Dorgu volley gave Manchester United a half-time lead against Newcastle at Old Trafford and, well, you know the rest.The second half wasn't pretty, and Ruben Amorim's substitutions did more than raise eyebrows, but frankly, who cares?!With Wolves next, United are up to fifth in the Premier League, but will need to get players back as soon as possible. Can you name the line-up who finished the game tonight? Good luck! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every Manchester United loss, and there have been a few. in the last 12 months has prompted some sort of inquest or soul-searching... until now.United were certainly the better team in the first half at Villa Park, maybe the second as well, but they allowed two moments of quality from the Premier League's most in-form player to decide the game in Aston Villa's favour.Of more concern than losing to a third-placed team on a hot streak is the absentee list; Kobbie Mainoo was ruled out before the game and the ever-present Bruno Fernandes felt his hamstring just before half-time. Lisandro Martinez replaced him in central midfield, cue some Carl-ribbing, but the captain is a huge loss with Newcastle coming to Old Trafford on Boxing Day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bruno Fernandes' interview with Portuguese TV's Canal 11 (run by the national football federation) caused some consternation at Manchester United this week. How dramatic were his claims, translation and context allowing, and is it time to consider a life without Bruno?He'll be as important as he's ever been over the next few weeks with Amad and Mbeumo's goal threat heading to AFCON. Their departure wasn't as tricky as that of Noussair Mazraoui, but all three will be a big miss for a team that is consistently inconsistent, especially when it comes to holding onto a lead.Villa Park will be the venue for United's next big test; they are very good... or are they, Mark Critchley? Either way, it should be a feisty encounter... although probably not quite as feisty as that of United's women when they face Atletico Madrid in the UWCL play-off round (note: the draw took place after this conversation was recorded). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wowsers... what a thrill ride... what a rollercoaster! Do you like rollercoasters? Sure you do.Ruben Amorim's Manchester United put in one of the best attacking performances since he took charge of the team. The passing and movement of players throughout the team caused real problems for Bournemouth as Mbeumo, Cunha, and of course, Bruno, put them to the sword.Unfortunately, the formation/system/shape change that nobody had seen coming (bar half our podcast team) had a problematic effect at the other end. Antoine Semenyo got a direct route to goal for the Cherries' (first) equaliser and there were holes in the centre of defence as they levelled again (twice).But, this was exciting and fun. Cunha's goal, which looked like a winner at the time, could've been the touchpaper for real optimism. It certainly felt like how Manchester United should feel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kobbie Mainoo, whether or not he should be allowed to leave the club, and how to accommodate his talents into a system that doesn't seem naturally suited to them. It is a debate that has come to represent more than just the future of one capable young footballer. Where do we stand now, what is likely to happen next, and how do we feel about it?The next generation of Manchester United's academy moved safely through to the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup. At just 15, JJ Gabriel scored the goal in a 1-0 win over Peterborough at Old Trafford. The youngest ever representative of the club in this competition, he has already trained with the first team and possesses plenty of talent. Will he be able to emulate the career of his idol, Neymar? (spoiler alert; we've no idea).Next up in the Premier League, in another Monday night fixture, the dreaded Bournemouth will be the visitors. Let's hope Amorim's team are able to provide more festive cheer than in the previous two December meetings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A win at Wolves, a convincing win. OK, it wasn't entirely trouble-free, but United scored four and put the game to bed comfortably in the second half; they are now sixth in the Premier League, a point behind Crystal Palace in fourth and separated from a potential Champions League-qualifying fifth place by goal difference.Mason Mount, if he can be described this way, was the star of the show. Scoring at a crucial time and just generally being efficient and effective, Mount appears to be working his way into the first-choice XI; Bruno Fernandes, who assisted Mount's goal, also featured strongly, almost summing up his career at the club.However, it's still a fragile confidence after disappointing performances against Everton and West Ham and with AFCON just around the corner. A tough FA Cup draw hasn't necessarily boosted that confidence, and we're also sad to see Jonny Evans unexpectedly leave the club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

West Ham haven't won away from home since beating their now-manager Nuno Espirito Santo's Nottingham Forest at the end of August, so this looked like a game where Manchester United could capitalise on an encouraging second half at Selhurst Park, get a win and climb the Premier League table.In fact, despite a 'turgid' start, that was how it was proceeding when Diogo Dalot controlled a bobbling ball and slotted home for his first Manchester United goal at Old Trafford, a first of any kind in eighteen months.However, familiar flaws emerged and when young french midfielder Soungoutou Magassa reacted quickest to Mazraoui's goalline clearance it never felt like United could find a second goal to take all three points. Ruben Amorim's substitutions will be viewed in this light, however they were seen at the time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Well, isn't this nice... Manchester United win away, in South London, and you can take the first bite out of your advent calendar while you listen to four happy podcasters praise the performances of Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount and, yes, Joshua Zirkzee.It was a remarkable turnaround at Selhurst Park, very much not a happy hunting ground for United in recent years. But, whether it was because of Palace's post-Europe legs, a bit of luck, or just a bit more intensity and clicking into gear, we are accepting our first Christmas present with no complaints about the shape or size of the box.Altogether now... "One more time..." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Everton result has sparked a new wave of soul-searching, but is it fair to feel so dispirited by one result against a competent Premier League team. Or, are we still not being harsh enough to an underperforming manager? Doubtless, you have a fairly strong opinion one way or the other.We decided to try and raise a bit of a laugh with a hastily devised parlour game; a series of United "would you rather?"s. It raised more questions than it answered.Onto Palace, then. Selhurst Park isn't a traditionally scary place for Manchester United, but then Crystal Palace aren't traditionally this good. Let's hope THEIR European tie leaves them leggy. Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim (and Mark Critchley) have some selection decisions to make. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A second November Q&A for you lucky devils. OK, the mood isn't great after Everton but a few juicy January transfer morsels might perk us up. Should we be worried that transfers are the main source of optimism, though?What about a fantasy dinner party with three United players? It could be magical, as long as they don't start fighting amongst themselves...Also under discussion; the shortage of opportunities for youth players, a new scouting appointment, stadium hopes, and goals that stick with us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Monday night Everton became the first side to win at Old Trafford in the Premier League having had a man sent off. To say that doesn't tell the whole story is somewhat of an understatement.The bizarre events that lead to a red card for Idrissa Gueye haven't been seen for a long, long time (only twice before in the Premier League, in fact). However, what followed was scarily familiar to Manchester United fans as the team failed to take advantage of the extra man and extra possession, were unable to build pressure, and ultimately looked bereft of ideas.All this has dredged up certain questions. Will Amorim's steadfast refusal to change formation lead to his downfall? How can he manage the gap in quality between his favoured eleven and the squad players? Is it acceptable for a Manchester United team to lose any game in that manner? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The last 48 hours of international football has provided some incredible drama. Laurie Whitwell travelled halfway around the world to witness a 0-0 draw between Jamaica and Curacao (which was more exciting than it sounds, tbf) while Denmark, featuring Patrick Dorgu and Rasmus Hojlund, were beaten to World Cup qualification by Scott McTominay and Scotland.As we return to domestic affairs, the club has revealed a broad prognosis on Benjamin Sesko and we're expecting him back in action in the second half of December. What does that mean for United's forward line, then, and will it provide an opportunity for Joshua Zirkzee?United's women had a great result against PSG but four games in eleven days has seen them struggle, especially without their first-choice 'keeper. Meanwhile, back in the Premier League, Everton are the first in what can be described, and has by Opta, as an appealing run of fixtures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a slightly busier international break than usual and, with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro both putting in leading performances, we consider the prospects for a continued effort into Christmas with Manchester United. There's also news of a disappointment for Bryan Mbeumo and a report from Jamaica(!) who will face Curacao in a winner-takes-all showdown in CONCACAF qualifying for World Cup 2026.Back in rainy Manchester, United's women got a terrific result at Old Trafford against Mary Earps' PSG, maintaining their 100% record in the Champions League. But, they came thoroughly unstuck just a few hours later when City dominated a WSL Manchester derby at the Etihad. Is the squad too thin, and can they pick themselves up for a tricky trip to Wolfsburg?The Premier League action returns next Monday with a first ever visit to Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium, but with some OK(?) looking fixtures between now and Christmas, we are interested to see how the jam-packed top half of the table will look going into the new year.To contribute to natural disaster relief in Jamaica, please visit: https://supportjamaica.gov.jm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ruben Amorim was appointed by Manchester United, seemingly in a flash, twelve months ago to replace outgoing manager Erik Ten Hag. But why then, rather than the end of the season? And was anyone else seriously considered? A year later, and after an incredibly tempestuous spell so far, it looks like the storm has eased and the first team are plotting a healthier course.In this special focussed discussion, we look back at the recruitment process and subsequent hiring of the Portuguese coach (and his team), how he operates both publicly and in private, and consider what progress has been made as well as our hopes for the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A result, and a performance, that felt very familiar. Leading, then trailing, and rounded off with a late equaliser, Amorim's Manchester United reminded us (again) that they are a work in progress and that you can't believe the league table at half-time.So here we are, again, praising Casemiro, but wondering if he has another five or ten minutes in him. We believe in Benjamin Sesko, but not without one or two slight concerns. We feel reassured by the ever-present Matthis de Ligt and fear the impending Afcon talent drain.There's a massive few days in store for Manchester United's women. They'll be looking to put a disappointing defeat behind them when they host Mary Earps' PSG at Old Trafford on Wednesday. Then there's the small matter of a Manchester derby before another Champions League fixture away at Wolfsburg.Join us at Soho Theatre Walthamstow on Tuesday evening; last few tickets available here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a hectic time for the Talk of the Devils crew, with two more live shows coming up next week in Manchester (sold out) and Walthamstow (last few tickets here), but Andy found time to squeeze in a Radiohead gig in Madrid; clearly, it's had a profound effect.Ruben Amorim's Manchester United have one thing on their minds, winning at Spurs. It might actually be easier to achieve that in North London, where Thomas Frank has made a disappointing start, in contrast to a very good record on the road. Another interesting element will be how much possession the visitors have to play with, and how they approach the likely challenge of a low block.We also heard from Jonny Evans (on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football) and Jason Wilcox (the club's Inside Carrington podcast) this week. Is it a sign of a more open policy with the media, and is that a good thing? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

November has arrived and, while there haven't been any major fireworks yet, we're feeling much better about Manchester United under Ruben Amorim.In this extra episode, we've opened the floor to questions and you've delivered once again. So, whether it's the immediate future of midfield, reporting on the club as a fan, or the weather at AFCON, we cover plenty of ground.Join us next Tuesday (11th November) at Soho Theatre in Walthamstow for TotD LIVE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United salvaged a draw at the City Ground, home of Nottingham Forest, with a fantastic volley from Amad Diallo (his first goal of the season) and could have gone on to win the game late on with Forest defenders scrambling to deny the same player.But, in the same game, they had thrown away a one-nil lead with ninety seconds of madness just after half-time. So, was this a case of a point gained or two dropped? According to our inbox, it's up for debate.There were more bright points, such as the performance of Casemiro, and other negatives too (what will Amorim do when he loses three key right-side players to AFCON?). One thing isn't in question, though. It's better than last season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three wins in a row, confidence seeping back into players, and an encouraging set of fixtures over the next few weeks. Life is so much brighter now for Manchester United fans, but is there still a fragility to the mood, and is the football sustainable?Ruben Amorim's critics are, naturally, quieter than they were. But what has brought about the change in form? Is it the manager's stubborn resolve finally paying off, or has he actually made significant changes to the way his team plays?And, what of Nottingham Forest? Recent form suggests a tough task, but they are already on their third permanent manager this season having just replaced a man who has an admirable record against Manchester United with one who does not. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back, to back, to back. If Sunderland was relief, and Liverpool was elation, what does a win at home to Brighton mean? Does it mean Manchester United are now good again, and does it mean we can be genuinely optimistic about this season?Mark Critchley WAS at Old Trafford with Carl Anka on Saturday and they are in the studio with Ian while Andy joins us online from Spain. Everyone was delighted to see Matheus Cunha get off the mark for his new club with a smart finish from the edge of the box. Meanwhile, Bryan Mbeumo and Senne Lammens continue to breathe confidence into fans, and Casemiro showed his value as well.It was Bruno Fernandes' 300th appearance and he granted an audience to the press (including our own Laurie Whitwell) at Carrington on Friday. His comments about individual accolades versus team success are reassuring, especially with the context of that Brighton victory, while he also offered an interesting response when asked if he might leave this summer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.