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

A weekend without Premier League football and, with Manchester United out of the FA Cup, we were expecting a quiet few days. Unfortunately, the club has been in the headlines more than ever, and not in the way most fans would want.In an interview with Sky News at an industrial conference in Antwerp, co-owner and figurehead Sir Jim Ratcliffe gave a view on UK politics and his comments on immigration, most notably his use of the word 'colonised', have sparked a media furore.Ratcliffe offered an apology for offence caused by his choice of language but there has been a strong response from politicians, fan groups, and others. We consider the ramifications for the club and round up some of the news closer to football matters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Carrick's 100% record as interim Manchester United manager (in this spell, at least) has come to and end. It was a disappointing game when compared to the four wins so far, of course, but how badly should we feel?Let's not forget, it should have been a defeat. Benjamin Sesko rescued a point in Stratford with an innovative finish deep into injury time. Does Sesko have qualities that are useful against this sort of opposition, should he be starting more games, and should he have been introduced earlier?Coming up this weekend... nothing. Well, not for the men's team anyway. We talk about what we'll do with a little extra spare time on our hands and catch up with some interesting correspondence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MUFC's fourth consecutive win continued Michael Carrick's perfect start as Manchester United manager. OK, Spurs held their own until captain "Cristian" Romero was dismissed for a tackle on Casemiro, but the team is growing in confidence and the gap to third (and second) is narrowing.Our Bry found the corner after a neat set-piece routine and the evergreen, ever-prolific, Bruno sealed the win in the second half (albeit not before a few Andy Mitten nerves). In truth, there was very little jeopardy as they wrapped up a nice, easy victory.West Ham away next, a rare midweek fixture, and despite the Hammers spending most of the season in the relegation zone this could be a tricky one. Stratford has been the site of some stinkers recently and Nuno's team have a glimpse of hope after some decent results. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lads, it's Tottenham. It's a well-worn phrase for a team that shouldn't be taken seriously; but what to make of this current Spurs team. They remain firmly in the bottom half of the Premier League table and fans are on the edge of mutiny, yet they have sailed through to the last 8 of the Champions League. And, let's not forget, they beat Manchester United four times last season.Instead of that four, let's think about how Michael Carrick can make it four wins in a row. Will he stick with the Fulham line-up, a hungry Cunha and Luke Shaw included, or will he give matchwinner Benjamin Sesko a starting berth?On the pitch, things are looking up. Off it, however, the football performances may have started to feed into commercial performance. Record revenues may mask a less competitive outfit with Liverpool and Manchester City both overtaking United in the Deloitte Football Money League. We look at some of the questions facing business leaders behind the scenes.For more information about Munich memorial services, please consult the club website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Premier League journalists have been able to put their feet up during January with only 33 'first-team' transfers taking place. For Manchester United that number is zero, with management deciding the squad they have in place is sufficient for the fixture list that lies ahead.In this TotD Extra podcast, we'll ask how much of a gamble it is to keep the powder dry, how close the club were to securing the signature of Antoine Semenyo, and round up the deals that did happen at youth level.All this means we're expecting significant activity in the coming summer. Once again, central midfield is the main area of vulnerability, doubly so with Casemiro heading for the exit. Can United afford to lose Bruno and/or Harry Maguire as well, and who are the most likely targets to beef up the squad? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Benjamin Sesko has his first Man United moment, scoring an injury-time winner in front of the Stretford End. We're hoping, of course, that it will be the first of many but will he have to wait a little while for his next opportunity? Patience has been as much a virtue for him as any of his physical prowess.At the other end of the spectrum, Casemiro's career at the club is coming to an end. The Brazilian still has plenty to offer, though, and showed it again with a trademark set-piece goal and a no-look assist. We also saw what his absence can mean after his substitution once again coincided with a team wobble.Protests before the game took place in two locations; Carl went to speak to some of the fans marching to the ground. The themes remain largely the same, albeit anti-Glazer sentiment has also provoked hostility to INEOS, seen in some quarters as enabling the majority owners' unpopular business strategy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A 'gentle glow' is still lingering over Michael Carrick's Manchester United but, with seventh-placed Fulham coming to Old Trafford this weekend, are we now entering a run of games that will give us a clearer indication as to whether he has turned the team's fortunes around?Tactically, there aren't too many obvious concerns, but Fulham are a big strong side and physicality will be paramount. Because of that, Patrick Dorgu may be a big miss. Ruled out for an estimated ten weeks with a hamstring injury, the young Dane has put in some powerful, intense performances recently and is showing glimpses of real potential.There are a few variations Carrick can implement in Dorgu's absence, but it puts a little more onus on the fitness of Luke Shaw. The team will also rely on the experience of Casemiro, Harry Maguire, and Bruno; with the Brazilian's departure this summer confirmed, do the club need to hang on to their other veterans?To contribute to The Athletic's podcast listening survey, please go to: theathletic.com/survey26 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's January 2026 and, with things looking up for Manchester United under Michael Carrick, it's time for our first Q&A of the year. Frankly, there's only one question you want an answer to... what will it take for Carrick to get the job full time and, if he doesn't, who are the main candidates?There's a brighter outlook for several players, too. We consider the prospect of Kobbie Mainoo making it to the World Cup (Finals) and think about who might start at Fulham; a different sort of test for the new, well balanced, coaching setup.And, of course, we've an assortment of some of your more outlandish ideas and suggestions before checking in on our wild take amnesty from the start of the season.To contribute to The Athletic's podcast listening survey, please go to: theathletic.com/survey26 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amazing strikes from a resurgent Patrick Dorgu and supersub Matheus Cunha gave Manchester United a massive win at the Emirates Stadium after Bryan Mbeumo's first half equaliser set Arsenal hearts fluttering.Michael Carrick now has the shortest, most impressive resume, of any interim manager. Is it unfair to completely dismiss him as an option to take the job permanently? And how have the last few days changed our perception of what a Manchester United manager should be.However things progress over the next few months, a more acute change in mood is difficult to imagine. United now sit fourth in the Premier League; are they in pole position (outside the top 3) to take a Champions League spot next season?(We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey26) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's this? A quiet week in Manchester United world?! Surely not! Yet, there has been little by way of headlines; is this the calming effect of Michael Carrick?Perhaps it's the lack of activity in the transfer market. Manuel Ugarte has been linked with Ajax and there are more than one Italian club keeping an eye on Joshua Zirkzee, but with no long-term transfer targets on the market a first-team acquisition doesn't seem likely.Things will get lively again come Sunday, for sure. Arsenal have a formidable defence, Declan Rice, and their set-pieces; it may be as tough as ever getting three points at the Emirates Stadium. But with renewed confidence and a week on the training ground, who knows...To give feedback on The Athletic's podcasting, please go to http://theathletic.com/survey26 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here it is, almost 48 hours after the final whistle (sorry!), we're here to properly dissect the magnificent performance from Michael Carrick's mighty reds in the Manchester Derby.From Maguire and Martinez, Bruno, Casemiro, super sub Cunha, and "ballon" Dorgu there were top marks across the board as United 'pulverised' City into submission. It's a huge game, of course, and a heightened atmosphere was guaranteed, but what does this say about the players' performances under previous managers and can it be sustained?Lisandro Martinez had a particular point to prove after high profile criticism and we also get into some off-pitch matters as Carrick settles into a campaign which must deliver European football next season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Carrick is the new Head Coach, interim or otherwise, of Manchester United. How will he change the way the team plays and is the target of qualifying for the Champions League, stated explicitly to players by Director of Football Jason Wilcox, really achievable now?It will be a baptism of fire for Carrick and his staff with Manchester City coming to Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime. Will the players returning from AFCON go straight into the team, and can they help Benjamin Sesko build on a promising couple of games? United will need to defy expectation based on a difficult recent record in home derbies.If you haven't already listened to our documentary episodes published on the anniversary of the Glazer takeover of Manchester United, you can find them in our podcast feed back in May, or via the following links:Episode 1: The Story of the Glazer TakeoverEpisode 2: What next for the Glazers at Manchester United Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Darren Fletcher's brief stint in charge of Manchester United's first team may be over after a draw at Burnley and an FA Cup third round exit to Brighton. His (expected) departure saw some stern-sounding words for the playing staff after the game on Sunday; will he continue as part of a longer-term interim coaching team?Michael Carrick is now favourite to take the helm, having stepped in with some success in difficult circumstances previously. Does the move to appoint a successful former player signal a change of tone for INEOS leadership and is "heritage" the right way to go? Director of Football Jason Wilcox has some big decisions to make."Flat" is the word Carl chose to describe the FA Cup defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford. The crowd was the quietest it has been, amid a sense of befuddlement It feels a bit like limbo, now, and 40 games will be the shortest full campaign in over a century, but the season can't be considered over with European football still to play for. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first few specks of dust have settled on the sacking of Ruben Amorim, and while Darren Fletcher will be in charge for the FA Cup match against Brighton at Old Trafford, thoughts now turn to who will take the helm until the end of the season.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is interested, but would that be a regressive step, and will the atmosphere be significantly different to the last time he stepped in. Michael Carrick is another option, as is Ruud van Nistelrooy. Is a non-Manchester United figure completely out of the question? More questions for Jason Wilcox, Omar Berrada, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe; their answers will draw more scrutiny, and rightly so.Amidst all this, there was a fixture at Burnley and, while two goals for Benjamin Sesko will be a huge personal boost for him, the team failed to win again, missing another big opportunity in this crazily congested Premier League season. If only Shea Lacey's strike had dipped another few inches... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EMERGENCY PODCAST INCOMINGHere we go again: it's an unscheduled, perhaps unexpected, extra episode of Talk of the Devils with reaction to the news - first reported by The Athletic's David Ornstein  - that Manchester United have sacked Ruben Amorim. Youth team manager and former player Darren Fletcher will take charge of first-team affairs until further notice.Amorim's reign lasted 18 months and it was a tumultuous period. Disastrous league form in his first part-season was tempered slightly by a run to the Europa League final, but defeat to Spurs in that game in Bilbao was a body blow.Improved performances and results in the Premier League this season stuttered before Christmas. The team are currently sixth in the table but, with a heavily congested chasing pack making up ground, senior management decided the time was right to dismiss their man. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leeds away; a 'bear pit' negotiated with several first-choice players missing. Off the back of a dodgy festive period, ordinarily you'd take your point and run.Yet, the game was almost a footnote today in the context of Ruben Amorim's comments during both his pre- and post-match press conferences. His usually outward demeanour a little different; bleak statements about the transfer window, cryptic references to other managers; a flat refusal to discuss the formation of the team. Is something afoot?We'll hear from Mr Amorim again before and after Burnley away, a game that now has more than a frisson of intrigue on it. Just four points separate 5th from 14th in the Premier League. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They're desperately short of players, and in isolation perhaps you could excuse it, but Man United's one-all draw with (statistically speaking) one of the worst Premier League teams in history fits a pattern of nearly-but-not-quite this season.As we arrive in 2026, what can we expect from Ruben Amorim's team, and what standard should we demand? Is the Champions League too big an ask for a side that has achieved only one string of league victories?It was a hugely deflating affair on Tuesday night but Leeds United, and their supporters, will show no sympathy when the Reds roll into Elland Road. Are they ready? Is Andy? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.