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

Man United end of season awards 2025/26 01.06.2026 1u 4min

The dust is settling on another Premier League campaign and, as the summer solstice looms on the horizon, it's time for our annual end of season awards.It's a much happier, therefore considerably less tongue-in-cheek, set of awards than this time last year as we decide the player of the year (who's not the marvellous captain bruno) and the best first-season United player.We also choose our favourite from a pretty healthy selection of United goals as well as the best moment not involving a goal. There are no prizes for picking out our favourite podcast guest, but plenty of smackdown for our (very) bad takes revisited. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Man United Q&A: Rashford, Ederson, Keane, ‘Carrick-ball’, & more! 28.05.2026 1u

It's the last Q&A of the season (or the first of the new one, depending on how you look at it). Either way, it's a whopper, with a massive influx of questions.Mixed fortunes for Manchester United players past/present/on loan/future(?) when it comes to World Cup call-ups. We discuss the merits of Harry Maguire's omission by Thomas Tuchel, and whether Anthony Gordon's Barcelona move will skupper Marcus Rashford's hopes.Ederson looks like he might become United's first midfield signing; what do the lads know of him, more than even they thought... how might the Brazilian fit in to Carrick's plans for next season? And what are those plans? And, of course, the heated question of former players criticising the current team. Do they go too far?Once again, please click here and provide feedback to the TotD team. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Perfect beginning (and end) for Carrick’s Man United 25.05.2026 51min

Michael Carrick was appointed as Manchester United's permanent head coach before the final game of the 2025/26 Premier League season and he will start his two-year contract off the back of a comfortable three-nil win on a beautiful day in Brighton.Bruno Fernandes was once again mobbed by his teammates after his corner was headed strongly home by Patrick Dorgu; he has now made the Premier League assist record his own with 21 for the season. The skipper would go on to score in the game as well with Bryan Mbeumo having finished a slick passing move on a day where everything went right.There were also appearances from the bench for academy players Tyler Fletcher and Shea Lacey, a more positive showing from Mason Mount alongside Kobbie Mainoo, and Luke Shaw completed an entire season of Premier League starts, one of only five players to achieve the feat.To provide feedback on our end of season survey please click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can Man United challenge for the Premier League? 21.05.2026 1u 4min

Apparently, there have been a couple of domestic trophies decided this week... no, us neither. While Manchester United have made significant progress in the Premier League, it would be nice to be the ones celebrating this time next year. How can that be achieved?Obviously, the big question is on midfield recruitment, and we may be getting closer to some answers there. It would also seem that Michael Carrick and the current coaching staff, with a strong United influence, are the answer in the dugout. But are there other lessons we can learn from rivals, both those succeeding and the ones experiencing difficulties.One thing league winners do, we've learned this week, is get results on the south coast. Bruno and co head to Brighton in the sunshine, as usual, and they will NOT be heading to the beach, but to the Amex where they haven't always had it their own way of late. Time to change that. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inside Bruno's Premier League assist record 18.05.2026 57min

Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 at Old Trafford on Sunday, their last home game of the season. However, it was Bruno Fernandes who was the focus of most attention (in the game, at least) as he equalled the record for assists by one player in a Premier League campaign. He can still make it his own at Brighton next week, but really should have done so already going by his remarkable chance-creation stats. We dive in.Outside the game, there was a heartfelt send-off for Casemiro, a man who has made his mark on Manchester United just as he has done on a few midfield opponents over the years (it's in the genes). Elliot Anderson showed he can go head-to-head with the best, but if he's interested in becoming a red he was giving nothing away.Most of all, there was a real feelgood factor as Michael Carrick addressed fans, even if he didn't update us on his employment status. He, and other senior figures, also attended the FA Youth Cup Final defeat to Manchester City. A disappointing end to the academy season for United on a couple of fronts, but the bigger picture looks healthy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carrick ‘recommended’ for Man United job 14.05.2026 58min

Manchester United will face Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford this Sunday and there should be a good feeling about the place. Results have been close to perfect under Michael Carrick and we understand the club's executive team will recommend his appointment as permanent head coach.So, hopefully Carrick will be staying on, but Casemiro will say a fond farewell to the home crowd after four emotionally charged seasons. The Brazil captain has shown admirable qualities to weather various storms and is arguably having his best spell as he prepares to leave.Long before that, almost as this podcast goes out, we'll know how the U18s have fared in the FA Youth Cup final. It's a first Manchester derby since 1986 and controversy around the late change of venue adds an extra spice to an already interesting match-up; winning would represent a real achievement for United in English youth football's highly competitive environment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Which Man United players failed Sunderland audition? 11.05.2026 58min

We asked a series of questions about the rest of the season on our podcast last Thursday, mostly concerning Manchester United's "squad" players and what they need to do in the last three league game to stake their claim for a prominent role next season.In the first of those three games, at Sunderland, it's fair to say we were left rather underwhelmed by the answers. With the caveat that they haven't played much football recently, and this was an unusually low-stakes fixture, messers Zirkzee, Mount, Amad, even Martinez looked a little flat.Let's hope for the return of Casemiro at Old Trafford next time out and fingers crossed Bruno can get the two assists he needs to become the single-season record holder without needing to get over the line at Brighton. United's captain was rewarded for his stellar season with the FWA player of the season award but chasing that prize gives him and his teammates a mini-target to shoot (or pass) for. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s left for Man United this season? 07.05.2026 52min

Manchester United will compete for the 2026-27 Champions League and when the draw comes around they will most likely be in Pot 2 which should deliver a couple of high profile matches and some more interesting destinations as well. But, what does that mean for the rest of this season?Will Michael Carrick (still not confirmed as a permanent head coach of the team) choose to rotate a little and give opportunities to fringe players and academy prospects, or is that too risky? It could be expensive, too, with a good chunk of prize money at stake. The trip to Sunderland this weekend can't be taken lightly, even if the opposition's form has tailed off slightly.We also have a couple of news stories with Betway seemingly close to becoming Utd's new training kit sponsor and a frustrating situation with the FA Youth Cup final. Manchester City were drawn as hosts and, while tradition dictates the game be held at the senior stadium, they are carrying out renovations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Man United seal Champions League against Liverpool 03.05.2026 41min

Manchester United are back in the Champions League having done the double over Liverpool, that's the league double against Liverpool.The lads rushed straight to the studio to record this podcast for you, even with Ian feeling a little poorly, and even though United didn't take their 2-0 half-time lead and add a few more to really add insult to injury.As it was, we had to make do with another great winning goal, another goal in a big game, from Kobbie Mainoo. Bruno can get his assists record in the next few weeks, no bother at all! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Man United beat biggest rivals to Champions League? 30.04.2026 57min

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.

Casemiro scores again in Brentford victory 28.04.2026 49min

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.

Who are Man United targeting this summer? 23.04.2026 59min

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.

The future of Man United's midfield (with Bryan Robson!) 22.04.2026 1u 2min

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.

Man United close in on Champions League at Chelsea 20.04.2026 53min

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.

How do Man United cope with defensive crisis at Chelsea? 16.04.2026 52min

Manchester United head to Stamford Bridge for a Saturday night Champions League six-pointer with Chelsea but there's a good chance it won't match up to the all-guns blazing shootout that was Real Madrid at Bayern in this season's quarter final.It has now been confirmed, at the eleventh hour, that Harry Maguire will miss the Chelsea game having had his red card ban extended for an FA charge of abusive language. It's also unlikely that Lisandro Martinez will feature after he was sent off against Leeds, so Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are expected to be Michael Carrick's centre half partnership. Add in uncertain form from United's attackers, and there are question marks there.Meanwhile, Chelsea are adrift after a series of poor performances and results. Fans are showing open hostility to both the owners and the manager and they have attacking problems of their own having failed to score in four of their last five games. Surely, United can take a great stride toward Europe's top table with a win... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How damaging is Man United’s Leeds defeat? 14.04.2026 50min

Manchester United had three and a half weeks without a competitive fixture and it looked like longer as Leeds swarmed them in the first half at Old Trafford.Harry Maguire was a big miss on the night as United's unfamiliar back four struggled and the Yorkshireman may yet miss the trip to Stamford Bridge. Lisandro Martinez almost certainly will after his controversial red card for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair.What does this result tell us about United's squad depth, the mentality of the fringe players, and Michael Carrick's game management (particularly his reluctance to make changes)? Most importantly, will there be a reaction when the team head to West London next weekend? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Man United face Leeds with Champions League in sights 09.04.2026 51min

It's been 84 years... well, 24 days actually, but it's felt like years. While Manchester United versus Leeds United is no longer the titanic struggle it has been in the past, it's a huge game as Michael Carrick's men close in on the Champions League.Just seven games remain in the Premier League season and, with a fifth UCL spot guaranteed and a seven-point cushion between themselves and a misfiring Chelsea, it's looking more and more likely that United will return to Europe's top table.United have been preparing for the game against Leeds at a training base near Dublin and they will return to Ireland during an exclusively European pre-season schedule which will also included fixtures in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Poland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Man United Quiz with Career We Go 02.04.2026 41min

We're in the deepest stretch of the gaping chasm that is Manchester United's March/April Premier League hiatus and we have a very special collaborative episode of Talk of the Devils for you to enjoy.Hosted by Bobby Faghihi of the excellent Career We Go podcast, it's a Man United quiz with Andy and Critch teaming up against Carl and, a very competitive, Ian to find out who really knows their stuff.Play along while you listen and let us know how you got on but prepare yourselves for a nail-biting finish in our battle of brains, and nerves! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why Maguire deserves a new Man United contract 30.03.2026 54min

Michael Carrick's second spell as Manchester United manager has gone about as well as could have been expected. After our three-part assessment of United's summer transfer objectives, you asked if he is likely to be in charge next season, whether that affects the transfer plans, and if he's a big enough name to attract the right players.Harry Maguire, along with Kobbie Mainoo, returned to international duty this week but Thomas Tuchel appeared to talk down Maguire's chances of making his World Cup squad. We briefly review a stop-start game against Uruguay and outline why, whatever happens with England, he's important to Manchester United and deserves a new contract.Marc Skinner's future with the club is being questioned again in some quarters after a disappointing week for Manchester United's women. A spirited performance was spoiled by naive errors in the Champions League and they were thoroughly dismissed by City in the derby. Megan Feringa returns to fill us in on the details.Read more about Brian Peat's flags here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Man United add to their forward line this summer? 27.03.2026 33min

The third, and final, discussion in our trilogy of summer transfer previews is a boutique affair, certainly by our usual standards, as the panellists (with one exception) don't expect much business to be done in this area.Whether that turns out to be the case could depend on what happens to Joshua Zirkzee. Other than a few fleeting moments, the young Dutchman hasn't got airborne at United and, with potential interest in Italy, a move might open the door for another forward to come in.And then, of course, there's the matter of how all this is going to be funded. Rasmus Hojlund and Jadon Sancho are almost certain to depart, with Marcus Rashford's move to Barcelona less sure. Could there be other sales? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.