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

Epizódy

• 
  What does derby defeat say about Man United? 13.09.2026 1h 1min

  Not the result we wanted for our first ever post-match livestream, not by a long stretch.What started off as a normal derby flipped its energy dramatically when Phil Foden was sent off for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes; but, if you thought that decision would be the controversy of the day, you were wrong. Erling Haaland gave Manchester City the lead despite a VAR review and the failure to call for an on-pitch review has prompted a statement from the Professional Referees Organisation calling it an 'error of judgement'.Ultimately, though, the team have little justification in blaming referees for the defeat; a lacklustre performance saw them create very few good chances against ten men and those they did were squandered. It's now officially a disappointing start to the season and there is significant pressure to get results against Brighton in the League Cup and Fulham in the league before the international break. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  How important is this derby for Man United? 11.09.2026 58min

  Champions League football returned to Old Trafford on Thursday night and it was... well, it was a routine win against a Sabah team that passed neatly and competed for half an hour but, ultimately, didn't have enough to trouble Manchester United.Instead, we'll concentrate primarily on this Sunday's Manchester derby. It's one of the more hotly anticipated renewals with plenty of interest and intrigue in both red and blue camps. Enzo Maresca will choose from an expensively assembled set of summer signings... but will City have the same vulnerabilities as they did for Michael Carrick's first game back in the manager's job in January?United's team selection will be interesting as well; Matheus Cunha scored his first Champions League goal on Thursday night, but will he get the nod ahead of Rashford or Sesko? It seems unlikely. Further back it could be a big game for Lisandro Martinez who gave a good account of himself in the last derby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Cause for concern in Man United performance at Everton? 07.09.2026 51min

  “It isn't the Premier League start anyone wanted. One win and just four points from what looked like three of the season's less challenging fixtures sees fan anxiety threatening to creep in.There were positives at Everton, excellent goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko and the continuation of very encouraging signs on the left side through Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford.Two late equalisers conceded, though, whatever you make of the defending, does leave a sense of stalled momentum after Ipswich. Thursday's game against Champions League newcomers will now hopefully see some of that restored going into derby weekend.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Were Man United right not to buy on deadline day? 03.09.2026 57min

  A complete rebuild of the Manchester United midfield had already been done when the UK's transfer deadline day arrived this week so the focus switched to players who could deputise for Luke Shaw at left back and Benjamin Sesko as a target-man centre forward.In the end, despite exploring the viability of several targets, the club's decision makers opted not to buy. We take a look at squad depth and try to assess how much of a gamble it was to 'keep the powder dry'. Meanwhile, this weekend's opposition Everton are a potential powder keg after the sale of Iliam Ndiaye and an unsuccessful eleventh-hour bid for Josh Zirkzee.Joining us to look ahead to that Everton game and the start of United's WSL campaign is Cerys Jones who is now working on The Athletic's Manchester United coverage. The WSL campaign may be tough for Eva Olid and her squad after high profile departures. The opening fixtures, including Friday's trip to star-studded London City Lionesses, represent a baptism of fire for the new manager. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Who shone in Man United's Ipswich win? 31.08.2026 54min

  Manchester United started their Old Trafford campaign a little better than they did on the road; Ipswich may have taken the lead but, in the end, the goals rained in with a third United hat-trick for Bruno Fernandes, one for Bryan Mbeumo, and a perfectly legal own goal deflected in from Harry Maguire's skewed shot.Bruno grabbed all the headlines, of course, but we take a closer look at the performances of two Carrington graduates; Kobbie Mainoo stepped into midfield and he impressed Maguire with his physical work, and the rest of us by dictating the pace of play.And, of course, this game saw the return of Marcus Rashford... Now wearing number nine, the left winger looked sharp and inventive in attack, but also showed the work-rate he may need to display to convince some fans of his desire to succeed back at United. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Man United's Champions League draw: LIVE! 28.08.2026 1h 5min

  We're live-streaming again for Manchester United's Champions League draw. No prizes for guessing the fixtures, sure you know them by know, but enjoy the ride as we discover exciting trips to Spain, Portugal, and Italy.In amongst the fun, we look ahead to a pretty important Premier League game against Ipswich at Old Trafford, and of course there are only a few days left until the summer transfer window 'slams' shut. Josh Zirkzee may be leaving, but who might come in to replace him?We also compare United's measured strategy to the money spent by other PL clubs in recent days. Is it by choice or necessity, and is it wise? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  What was missing for Man United at Hull? 24.08.2026 49min

  Well, that wasn't the plan at all... Manchester United were beaten 2-0 at Hull City on the opening day of the new Premier League season, and we have to launch ourselves into the new campaign with another post-mortem.Did Hull's leadership decode United's weaknesses from pre-season, especially the defeat to AC Milan, or were Carrick's men simply undercooked? The manager certainly pushed back on the idea that his side lacked passion but there were more questions than answers on Saturday despite a strong-looking bench.With Carlos Baleba's arrival pending final checks we talk about those left-back targets again, but... might a striker be higher on the list of priorities now? Whatever happens, United should have enough for Ipswich at home but we'll discuss that in more detail when we go live again for the Champions League draw on Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Does Carlos Baleba complete Man United’s transfer business? 20.08.2026 1h 1min

  Talk of the Devils streamed live to the four corners of the globe for the first time on the eve of the 2026/27 Premier League season.The headline news is that a deal is progressing between Manchester United and Brighton for the transfer of defensive midfielder Carlos Baleba. The Athletic's David Ornstein reported 'amicable' negotiations on Wednesday, and Carl is happy, but will the transfer dealings end with an agreement for this long-term target.Baleba won't face Hull City with the rest of Michael Carrick's squad, we can be fairly certain of that, but there are high hopes of an emphatic United win as the Tigers return to the top tier for the first time in a decade. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  What can Man United achieve this season? 17.08.2026 1h 2min

  Pre-season is over, finishing with a slightly dispiriting 4-2 defeat to Ruben Amorim's AC Milan in Wroclaw, Poland, but overall the feelings are positive. So, what are Michael Carrick's priority issues as the start of the new campaign gets ever nearer?That also means it's time for our now-traditional season preview predictions... top scorer? ...player of the season? ...league finish? ...and, of course, Carl's bad take amnesty. We will keep the receipts and check back to see who was closest to the mark. The fixture list looks awfully hectic in comparison to last season. Will the start turn out to be as kind as it looks? How might that early derby go? And, which of United's rivals (if any) will be able to get their stuff together with so many clubs in a state of flux. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  What is Carrick’s vision for Man United? 13.08.2026 55min

  Manchester United's penultimate pre-season test ended in a penalty shootout victory over Leeds at Croke Park in Dublin.Following that, Michael Carrick sat down with the journalist pack to discuss the state of his squad, his vision for how he wants this team to play and whether more recruits could be on the way. With the opening day of the Premier League edging closer, what should we expect from United when the competitive action finally gets underway? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Who will start the season in Man United’s midfield? 10.08.2026 50min

  Another week closer to the new season, and another successful workout for Michael Carrick's squad; 1-1 against PSG in Gothenburg saw Andrey Santos do well again; will he be part of Manchester United's starting midfield on the opening day?The remaining World Cup stars, including Marcus Rashford and Lisandro Martinez, will now join up with the squad as they head to Dublin to face Leeds. There's still time for new faces, and Mason Mount's withdrawal got a few hearts beating, but will Newcastle's insistence that Lewis Hall is not for sale hold? Maybe an alternative target is required.There has been movement in the goalkeeping department, though. The debate over the fee agreed with Middlesbrough for Radek Vitek is an interesting one; could he end up breaking a transfer record of sorts?Click here to read Tom Burrows interview with Brandon Williams on The Athletic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Are Man United Premier League ready? 03.08.2026 58min

  It's a punchy question with the season still three weeks away and World Cup players yet to return to training, so in once sense no, Manchester United are not Premier-League-ready, but...With no fewer than nine clubs set to have a managerial debut on the opening weekend, including Liverpool, Man City, and Chelsea, are United now a model of calm as chaos reigns around them? Michael Carrick has been able to blood youngsters and slowly build the fitness of his squad in a measured way.Of course, the transfer market is only ever quiet on the surface. Lewis Hall continues to be the subject of speculation but we're working on estimates as to Newcastle's asking price; what price cover for Luke Shaw? And, with Mason Mount impressing his teammates in pre-season, might the recruitment team shelve plans for a third purchase in midfield? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Man United to bring Marcus Rashford back into fold? 27.07.2026 57min

  It seemed that Marcus Rashford's time at Manchester United had come to an end. However, with Barcelona making moves for two attacking players and no other obvious suitors, it now looks like he might be back at Old Trafford this season. We debate the pros and cons of a potential return.Rashford is the most famous graduate of Manchester United's academy but the 5-0 pre-season win over Rosenborg showed there is plenty of talent coming through... but breaking into the first team is as hard as it's ever been.It may get harder if another midfielder arrives, as well: we have a small transfer update and discuss the reaction to a club email sent to some season ticket holders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Questions for Man United players after World Cup 20.07.2026 47min

  The World Cup is over and Manchester United's pre-season has begun, although neither has happened in quite the way we wanted... there are some interesting things to learn about Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford after they saw out contrasting 45-minute shifts over the weekend. Kobbie Mainoo didn't get a single minute from Thomas Tuchel... hopefully his back isn't too sore when he returns to Carrington.Over in Helsinki, United fan Sam Smith lived out a dream scenario as he scored the only goal in a 1-0 over the reds by Wrexham. There wasn't too much of note for Michael Carrick's team although we did get a first outing for Andrey Santos and Leny Yoro at right-back might be significant.Finally, we return to the transfer of Youri Tielemans having had a little time to reflect, and think about who the third midfielder might be should one arrive after Ederson signed a new contract in Italy.Get more information about Jere Virtanen's Manchester United museum in Helsinki here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Man United adapt their midfield plan 13.07.2026 55min

  Does anything move faster than the Manchester United news cycle? Talk of the Devils ran a practical test today; when we started recording the deal to bring Ederson from Atalanta was still progressing with no new names in circulation. Twenty minutes later, things were very different!It isn't the first news story to break during a podcast recording, but the move for Aston Villa's Youri Tielemans has a massive impact on the summer transfer window and really changes the landscape for any potential third midfield target.Meanwhile, the World Cup isn't exactly overflowing with positive United stories; unless you're Mark Critchley, that is. And, there's been a fresh vision of the plan for a stadium to replace Old Trafford, with a possible revision of the target date. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Is Man United’s transfer window going to plan? 06.07.2026 55min

  Manchester United officials are not alone in knowing that the most pressing area of squad improvement, in order to compete in the Premier League and Champions League next season, is the centre of midfield. Targets were identified long ago and we still expect Brazilian Ederson to become the first acquisition.However, an unexpected double splurge by Tottenham Hotspur, bringing in Newcastle's Sandro Tonali and West Ham's Mateus Fernandes for a potential outlay of £180m, has inflated the market for players in that position?With Manchester City winning the race for Forest's Elliot Anderson, where do United now turn to in their pursuit of midfielders, and how much of what has happened was factored into the transfer strategy. Things should become clearer once players return from the World Cup, but pre-season starts this week. Are we worried? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Man United’s transfer plans after Ugarte injury 29.06.2026 58min

  This was always going to be a World Cup centred episode, but we had hoped the news would be a little happier. Manuel Ugarte has sustained a significant knee ligament injury and while, of course, it will have an impact on United's summer transfer plans our immediate thoughts are with the man himself.Elsewhere in the tournament, there hasn't been an awful lot of action for United participants. Bruno Fernandes has played every minute of every Portugal game, something no other United player has done for their nation, and Kobbie Mainoo is one of four yet to make it onto the pitch.Mateus Cunha is possibly the most encouraging story so far; Brazilian fans are learning to love his style just as Reds did last season and, notwithstanding a difficult test against Japan, here's hoping we'll see his celebrations a few more times. Not that anyone from TotD has drafted him! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Man United stadium update and transfer plans 25.06.2026 51min

  We're back! Alright, we're still scattered across the globe on World Cup duty and the much more important matter of a summer holiday. But, we are podcasting and there is some news to get through...A new Old Trafford may be one step closer with reports that Manchester United have acquired an important plot of land. However, there is still a long way to go and with the club's debt in the news again it's that same old question... how will it be funded?Manchester is so hot right now... literally. But the hottest takes are reserved for transfer news, of course. Is West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, now courted by Spurs, the man to bolster United's midfield? Let's hope his national teammate and namesake Bruno is putting in a good word. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  From Man United's academy to the World Cup, with Zidane Iqbal 08.06.2026 54min

  Zidane Iqbal has been on a journey; that's a cliche, of course, but in this case it's also literally true... and there are more air miles incoming.The Manchester United academy graduate was raised by a Pakistani father and Iraqi mother just a stone's throw from Old Trafford. He became the first British-born South Asian to represent the club when selected as a substitute in a Champions League fixture in Switzerland.Now playing for Utrecht in the dutch Eredivisie he has also adopted his mother's country of origin as his own, helping them through Asian qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, even scoring himself in the Philippines. Iraq will be in a "group of death" with Norway, Senegal, and France in the US & Canada having qualified by beating Bolivia in a play-off in Mexico.Where next on this footballing odyssey? The Premier League? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Man United players to shine at the World Cup? 04.06.2026 1h 13min

  As Talk of the Devils heads toward our well-earned end of season break (albeit we've one more fun treat for you before we do), it's time for us to take a look at the 2026 World Cup.Man United players would usually be headline acts but this renewal, hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the USA, looks a little different. There's plenty of interest, of course, but it's unclear how central the club's players will be to their national teams beyond Bruno Fernandes and one or two others.Will Kobbie Mainoo force his way into the England XI again? Can Mazraoui's Morocco outdo their 2022 semi-final? We look at every group through an MUFC lens before picking teams in a draft game we'll be tracking throughout the tournament. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.