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

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.

Saturday saw a "routine" win for Manchester United at Old Trafford, if there can be such a thing under Ruben Amorim. The head coach was certainly not under that impression, saying there's "no momentum" for his team.Nevertheless, it was a good result and an encouraging performance. Senne Lammens made an excellent impression on Premier League debut; not perfect, but reassured, and that composure helped the defence along with a markedly more direct approach to distribution.Speaking of direct distribution, Benjamin Sesko did well again, getting his first goal at Old Trafford and providing that outlet. He's getting good reports from within. And, of course, there's Mason Mount. We'll let Laurie fill in the details.Talk of the Devils will be on tour again this autumn and we’d love to see you there!                     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.

Laurie Whitwell taking a day off? As if that would happen. Our resident newshound stepped back into the breach despite a scheduled absence to tell us all about potential changes to development plans for a new Old Trafford and plans for.a mid-season friendly in Saudi Arabia.Ruben Amorim's future has been the source of increased speculation in the media, and throughout the fanbase, but noises from within the club are that he will be given more time, and more transfer windows, before any judgement is acted upon. The Athletic's new financial writer joins us to talk about his beloved Sunderland and whether Manchester United are particularly profligate when it comes to managerial compensation.That Sunderland game is another big one, another "decent side" testing the team's fragile confidence. Will we see Senne Lammens take over in goal, will Amad return to action, and will the newly reintegrated Tyrell Malacia be named in the squad?Talk of the Devils will be on tour again this autumn and we’d love to see you there!                     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.

Another failed attempt at back-to-back wins and a worrying performance saw a significant shift in the mood of our correspondence, and amongst our team as well.The ease with which Brentford, who haven't started the season brilliantly themselves, were able to exploit the flaws in Manchester United's set-up, and the lack of intensity on show from the Reds only added to the sense of alarm.Even Benjamin Sesko's first goal in club colours couldn't lighten the mood significantly... How long can this go on for Amorim? Is the support from his higher ups still resolute? It's getting tense.Talk of the Devils will be on tour again this autumn and we’d love to see you there!                     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.

Manchester United will face Brentford in West London on Saturday lunchtime looking to pick up back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Mark Critchley joins Ian, Andy, and Carl in the studio to preview the game, but are we confident of three points?The man most likely to provide cutting edge in attack is actually one of a host of key/leadership figures who left Brentford in the Summer. Bryan Mbeumo, however you pronounce his name, has started life well at United and as The Athletic's Jay Harris will attest he is a straight-forward, reliable performer.We also catch up with some correspondence covering a broad range of questions including sliding doors moments, Evans-sized chickens, and exciting U21s prospects.Come to our live shows in the Autumn:Talk of the Devils will be on tour again this autumn and we’d love to see you there!                     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.

Manchester United made it back-to-back wins (at Old Trafford) by beating the World Champions! It was a madcap first half with the Blues ''keeper Robert Sanchez sent off in the opening minutes before Bruno Fernandes, making his 200th appearance, gave United the lead with his 100th goal.They overcame the dismissal of second goalscorer Casemiro for a second bookable offence and the back three emerged with great credit as United toughed out a late wobble after Trevoh Chalobah pulled one back for Chelsea.So, how much has that improved our Monday mood and how much are we looking forward to the next few weeks? (spoiler alert; loads) it will be an exciting time for the women's team as well after Elisabeth Terland fired them into the Champions League and they followed up with a resolute point against Arsenal in the WSL. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Critchley joins Ian, Carl, and Andy on a week when Manchester United were all over the news again, and not in a good way. Everyone has an opinion, don't they, but what's the truth behind our results in the Premier League this season...The club's financial results were published on Wednesday (sort of, we'll let Critch explain). In short, it's a record figure for revenue; great news you might think, but dig down a little into the numbers and it gets a bit more complicated.Chelsea come to Old Trafford this Saturday teatime with a deeply (and we mean, deeply) unenviable record since Sir Alex Ferguson's tenure. They were roundly beaten at Bayern, but Andy isn't having any talk of them as a "crisis club". Alejandro Garnacho will be looking to make an impression, you would think; how will he be received by the home crowd?Talk of the Devils will be on tour again this autumn and we’d love to see you there!                     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.

In this Talk of the Devils Extra, the first of the new season, we take stock of the atmosphere at Old Trafford; why it's important, how it has evolved over the years, and how we can make sure it thrives in the future.Joining us are some special guests, chant leader Pete Boyle and youth supporters club representative Luca Black, but of course this is Andy Mitten's specialist subject and he has plenty to say as well.So whether you remember the glory days or not, join us for a trip down memory lane... we hope you agree it's a welcome break from analysing the football! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's difficult to believe it now, but there was a healthy degree of confidence going into the latest edition of the Manchester derby. Yes, Ruben Amorim's United are still a work-in-progress, but they are slowly improving, and City are going through the mill a bit as well, right?That's not how it turned out at all. Despite a half-decent first fifteen minutes and a brief flicker after half-time, Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and the rest of City's attackers "feasted" as United faltered in the key moments. It was a sobering, numbing experience for everyone in red, one that has us "spiralling".It was a bad day for the fans and the players, but it felt especially difficult for Amorim. He faced questions, again, about his dedication to a formation that doesn't seem to play to the strengths of his players. He himself, as he often does, raised the idea that his future at the club might be in doubt. Tongue in cheek, perhaps… but when do the serious questions come? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the first Manchester derby of the new season and, coming quite early in proceedings, there are lots of interesting question marks hanging over both teams.Firstly, there's the issue of form and fitness: there was relatively little action on the international front for the two squads but there are a couple of fresh injury concerns.Then, there's the tactical battle. Ruben Amorim has fared well against Pep Guardiola so far in his managerial career; his Manchester United first team is still a "work in progress". but there are reasons to be optimistic about the match-up this time as well.And, of course, there's the question of goalkeepers. Both sides signed a new 'keeper late in the transfer window, so there could potentially be debutants lining up behind either defence. Will Amorim stick with Bayindir or throw Lammens in at the deepest of deep ends, and has Donnarumma had enough training time to do himself justice?Tickets for Talk of the Devils LIVE:Belfast (The Limelight) – October 12, 2025: Click here to buy ticketsDublin (Vicar Street) – October 13, 2025: Click here to buy ticketsCork (Opera House) – October 14, 2025: Click here to buy ticketsManchester (New Century Hall) – November 10, 2025: SOLD OUTLondon (Soho Theatre, Walthamstow) – November 11, 2025: Click here to buy tickets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andre Onana has joined Turkish side Trabzonspor on loan in a shock post-UK-transfer-deadline move. Broadcaster Engin Kehale tells us about the Super Lig's goalkeeping carousel, but does that mean he has played his last game for Manchester United?It sounds like good news for Senne Lammens. The young Belgian has had to be patient to get his chance at domestic level in his home country but things have suddenly moved very quickly for him. We get the inside track on his progress from local journalist Axel Brisart.United's women's team hit the ground runnning exactly as planned in WSL and, with news of another (more cryptic) carousel, we look at the activities, or lack of, from United's players on international duty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Premier League is taking a break for international fixtures so it's a chance for us to take stock. High on the agenda, of course, how Manchester United's new signings will fare now that we know the make-up of the squad until January, at least.Most pressingly, there are concerns about options in midfield. Louis Saha thinks that area could affect the whole team, not least Benjamin Sesko as he takes on the tough task of filling the centre forward position at a tender age. Might there be a midfield solution from within the squad?Two midfielders, England Lionesses no less, have swapped sides of the Manchester divide. Is it a sign of progress that MUWFC haven't lost another player without a fee, or is it poor squad management? Charlotte Harpur joins us to consider the two sides of that argument, "plane-gate", Brann, and the WSL season.Talk of the Devils LIVE:Belfast (The Limelight) – October 12, 2025: Click here to buy ticketsDublin (Vicar Street) – October 13, 2025: Click here to buy ticketsCork (Opera House) – October 14, 2025: Click here to buy ticketsManchester (New Century Hall) – November 10, 2025: SOLD OUTLondon (Soho Theatre, Walthamstow) – November 11, 2025: Click here to buy tickets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United bought a goalkeeper on transfer deadline day and it was the young Belgian Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp. The transfer went through despite late whispers of a switch to Emi Martinez and Aston Villa's Argentinian was left hanging on the phone.With sales required, the club were able to move all but Tyrell Malacia from Ruben Amorim's "bomb squad" and we are all left with a satisfactory impression of the business achieved across the window; even Rasmus Hojlund's move can be viewed in a positive light for both club and player.That's not to say it couldn't have been better, though. There is still a bit more than a nagging feeling about the options available in midfield and it's going to take time to evolve the team and the squad to a fully rounded one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United's men won their first game of football this season (the women won, too; more on that soon). Where Grimsby had started to feel like Ruben Amorim might be reaching his Old Trafford endgame, Bruno's late penalty saw off Burnley and the feeling is very different going into the international break.There were many positives; Bryan Mbeumo, the whole first half display, and the creation of several major opportunities. Unfortunately, there were a few old worries as well; the conversion (or not) of those opportunities, and another unconvincing display by an MUFC goalkeeper.With the UK transfer deadline looming, things are starting to happen for the "bomb squad". Alejandro Garnacho has joined Chelsea, Rasmus Hojlund is Italy-bound with a deal on the cards there. Meanwhile, Spain could be the destination for both Antony and Tyrell Malacia. As for Jadon Sancho, who knows?! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This isn't the first time we've used the phrase "a new low" in recent years, not by a long way, but it's difficult to see us using it again soon.Amorim's United were dominated by fourth-tier Grimsby Town as the hosts took a deserved 2-0 lead in the first half of their Carabao Cup second round tie.Despite fighting back to draw level, new signings Cunha & Mbeumo missed in a penalty shootout loss. After the game, Ruben Amorim's cryptic comments invited speculation that he may be questioning his future at the club. Where do we go from here? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oh no, are we doing this again?! After a positive opening day performance in defeat at home to Arsenal. hopes were high as United's faithful headed South for the annual raid of Craven Cottage. Unfortunately, after a decent start, some old habits crept back in and it started to feel worryingly like last season.Part of the problem was a penalty miss by Bruno, who had a strange day, and represents the most high profile of several midfield riddles for Ruben Amorim. Stick or twist with your talisman... and who to play along side him?As the first team head to Cleethorpes for their first League Cup Second Round tie in two decades the question of reinforcements, specifically in midfield and in goal, continues to dominate the conversation. It could be a busy few days in the transfer market! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.