Talk of the Devils - The Athletic

Feb 02 2025 100 ep. 46 mins 39

Talk of the Devils - The Athletic Podcast artwork

The Athletic's Carl Anka, Laurie Whitwell, and Andy Mitten bring you the latest insight on Manchester United in conversation with Ian Irving. Subscribe for expert analysis, big names, and breaking news.

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Another home defeat as Rashford nears exit

Feb 02 2025 48 mins

Any sense of optimism that had been building around Ruben Amorim's team was squashed by a workmanlike Crystal Palace who, remarkably, haven't conceded a goal against Manchester United in two years. Were the wounds self-inflicted? Amorim chose to move Kobbie Mainoo, excellent in Europe as a ten, to play false nine and left out both his misfiring strikers. Overthinking, or

Mainoo a 10 as Utd sail through to UEL last 16

Jan 31 2025 51 mins

Ruben Amorim deployed Kobbie Mainoo in one of the number ten positions against FCSB as Manchester United won comfortably to ease themselves through to the last 16 of this year's UEFA Europa League. A "rotated" starting XI looked like a bit of a gamble from the Portuguese manager, but a cautious approach initially followed by the introduction of more creative players

Fortunate Fulham winner for Martinez as United strikers struggle

Jan 27 2025 52 mins

There's a case to say Lisandro Martinez is providing Manchester United's most potent attacking threat at the moment as we dig into some alarming trends with respect to the centre forwards. Positive sounding news on stadium development this week but unease continues to rumble among the fans and there was a fairly hostile response to Sir Jim Ratcliffe's presence at Cr

Bruno's dramatic Rangers winner; United on brink of Europa knockouts

Jan 23 2025 51 mins

Captain Bruno rescued three Europa League points for Manchester United after Cyriel Dessers looked to have earned Rangers a draw at the death. But while a European top eight finish, bypassing the play-off round, now looks likely there is still a lot of uncertainty around the club with financial question marks muddying the transfer waters. Will the club reach a deal for Patrick Do

Denis Law remembered. More Brighton woe: worst United team ever?

Jan 20 2025 54 mins

Strong themes running through today's show as we remember United great Denis Law, the only Scottish footballer ever to win the Ballon d'Or, after his death on Friday at 84. How this current team could do with a centre forward, a goalscorer, an all-round footballer of Denis's ability. After Brighton won at Old Trafford again, Ruben Amorim called his side the worst in

Amad hat-trick spares United blushes against Southampton

Jan 17 2025 53 mins

Ian Irving might have been glad of a day off, very glad indeed, were it not for Amad's late show at Old Trafford on Thursday night. He became Manchester United's second youngest hat-trickster after Wayne Rooney and their first since Cristiano Ronaldo. While the 22 year-old Ivorian has a long way to achieve the stature of those two players, he is well on his way to becomi

United dump Arsenal out of the cup at the Emirates

Jan 12 2025 51 mins

After a drab first half at the Emirates Stadium, the FA Cup third round tie between Arsenal and Manchester United caught fire; so much so, that it brought back memories of the fierce rivalry between the two clubs. Bruno gave United the lead with a superb finish, but Diogo Dalot was dismissed for a rash challenge which brought a second yellow card and things looked difficult with A

Rashford links. Mainoo/Garnacho panic, FA Cup defences begin

Jan 09 2025 55 mins

We were sceptical clubs would come in for Marcus Rashford, but just a few days after he stated his openness to a move there are already some significant suitors. Could this actually happen? Much less likely is a transfer for either Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho: the two FA Youth Cup winners may not be certain starters for Amorim, but fans need not fear a fire sale... the pri

Much improved United earn point at Anfield

Jan 05 2025 51 mins

A committed showing in an entertaining contest at the league leaders; how refreshing was that! It was certainly a pleasant surprise relative to our gloomy expectations. The return of Ugarte and Mainoo helped midfield, as did that of a resurgent Bruno Fernandes, but there were positive performances across the defence, from Diogo Dalot against Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Garnacho of

Why always Anfield at the worst time? A December to forget

Jan 02 2025 59 mins

It was the worst month for Manchester United in 95 years, yet it started with a four-nil victory and included a famous derby win. We attempt to pick apart the problems of a team learning new patterns of play while negotiating a hectic festive programme and with their most valuable player deemed un-selectable, for the time being at least. Is there much hope for improvement in the