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

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.

As the warm glow of jubilation fades after Anfield... OK, maybe just one more quick spin around the happiness block!But with a quick mental ice bath of our own, thoughts quickly turn to a game against Brighton at Old Trafford... one that, with good reason, still gives cause for trepidation. Carlos Baleba thinks he has rediscovered his old self just in time to show Mancunians what he is capable of.The good news, though, is that Ruben Amorim has plenty of options at his disposal. With only Lisandro Martinez out injured, there is real competition for places in most positions. Can Utd go back to back... to back? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The title says it all; after more than nine years and ten failed attempts, Manchester United have beaten Liverpool at Anfield. We savour every moment from Bryan Mbeumo's goal just seconds after the final whistle to Harry Maguire heading in the winner from Bruno Fernandes special volley-cross.It was a 90-minute performance and it was a team performance; the boys from Brazil jetted back (from South East Asia) in time to start the game. Casemiro ran his legs off for an hour, and Matheus Cunha made it to the end, still pushing the Liverpool defence at the death.Senne Lammens provided calm in goal and Amorim's direct approach to distribution, without Sesko at number nine, proved a smart play on the day. A great result, a huge relief, and a real boost to confidence; so what comes next?!Buy tickets to Talk of the Devils LIVE at London's Soho Theatre, Walthamstow on Tuesday 11th November, via this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've completed the first leg of our live-show tour with dates in Belfast, Dublin, and Cork. Ian and Laurie are back at home feeling the effects, Andy continues on a bit more of a trek having paced himself, and Carl has wisely allowed himself a day off.No rest for Manchester United's international stars, though. Mixed results for the club's players in African World Cup qualifying Even Andy's mileage doesn't compare to Casemiro who has played 180 minutes for Brazil on the other side of the globe. Will he be selected at Anfield?Despite the recent record at Liverpool there is a sense that, if we see a solid showing from Ruben's boys, there's a realistic chance of a good result. The hosts certainly have the bigger injury problems, including some important players, and they haven't exactly started the season like champions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October international break can only mean one thing, seemingly random news stories about Manchester United. This time it’s the ownership in focus. Coming to you from the boardroom in Dublin, the team break away from the Talk of the Devils Live tour to discuss claims the club might be for sale.With Sir Jim Ratcliffe looking to make a new stadium his lasting legacy at Manchester United, fan surveys sent out on the future of ticketing have raised a few eyebrows. Not so the Manchester United women’s team, who came roaring back to beat Everton at the Hill Dickinson stadium.Finally, we catch up on some international Reds (and former Reds). Who might impress ahead of next summer’s World Cup? And who’s ready for Anfield. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've said it before, no doubt we'll say it again... just when you think Manchester United are going to have a quiet week, something happens! This time it was minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe talking at length to a new business podcast from The Times (https://podfollow.com/the-business).The emphasis of Sir Jim's words may have been distorted by headline writers, but he did say he wants to give Ruben Amorim three years to prove himself as a good coach; we applaud the sentiment, but is it really possible if results don't change?Another point of contention was the academy. Changes have been made at Carrington recently, one of the side-effects being disruption for some of the youth teams, and there have been staff changes as well. We ask if the academy is in good shape, and how much it should conform itself to the modern game?Talk of the Devils will be on tour NEXT WEEK. Get your tickets for Dublin/Cork now or miss out...                    Belfast (The Limelight) – October 12 SOLD OUTDublin (Vicar Street) – October 13: Click here to buy ticketsCork (Opera House) – October 14: Click here to buy ticketsManchester (New Century Hall) – November 10 SOLD OUT London (Soho Theatre, Walthamstow) – November 11: Click here to buy tickets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October international break and it's time for another Talk of the Devils Extra, this time it's an audience Q&A.So, after another healthy response from you all we cover the season so far, whether we'd swap the Brentford/Chelsea results, why the team are swapping ends, and Amorim's system.There's also an update on the best chippy in Manchester (albeit not a definitive one), Carl's preferred driving instructor, and the moment we'd all like to relive.Last chance if you're in Dublin/Cork if you want to join us for Talk of the Devils LIVE!                    Belfast (The Limelight) – October 12 SOLD OUTDublin (Vicar Street) – October 13: Click here to buy ticketsCork (Opera House) – October 14: Click here to buy ticketsManchester (New Century Hall) – November 10 SOLD OUT London (Soho Theatre, Walthamstow) – November 11: Click here to buy tickets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.