Talk of the Devils: The Athletic FC's Manchester United show
Host Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell, Carl Anka and Andy Mitten on the world's biggest Manchester United podcast. Subscribe for expert insight from inside the club, breaking news and two episodes every week.
Episodes
Man United embarrassed at Como - what next?
Ian Irving speaks live to our men in Como, Laurie Whitwell and Andy Mitten, after Manchester United were taken apart in a 4-1 Champions League defeat.From Michael Carrick’s apologetic wave to the 700 United fans to Bruno Fernandes openly questioning the team’s tactics, we break down another bleak night as the pressure on Carrick builds further. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more infor
Ten Hag Exclusive Interview : Recruitment, Ronaldo, Ratcliffe & Glory at Man United
In his first interview since leaving Manchester United, Erik ten Hag spoke exclusively to Laurie Whitwell for The Athletic about his time in charge at Old Trafford.In today’s show, we hear extracts from that conversation and discuss the biggest talking points, including his pride in managing United and winning the 2024 FA Cup, his departure from the club, managing Cristiano Ronaldo and what can co
Where does Leeds draw leave Carrick?
In an alternative universe where Michael Carrick's Manchester United have started the Premier League season on a hot streak, a 1-1 draw at Elland Road against a well organised, combative Leeds would be completely fine.As it is, and despite an astute tactical shift from the manager, the enthusiasm from any positive developments was once again dampened by the final score and a drab second half.A
What problems has Martinez exposed at Man United?
It's almost 48 hours since Manchester United lost 2-0 at Atletico Madrid and the repercussions of Lisandro Martinez's post-match outburst have yet to be felt in earnest. We review our thoughts in light of his subsequent social media statement. What does his United future look like now?Martinez has been criticised for speaking out but he has shone a spotlight on some very real problems, not
Martinez criticises Man United investment after Madrid defeat
As Champions League matches between European giants go, this one was more ordinary than some. Manchester United weren't expected to win, and they didn't, despite a performance that showed some positive signs.However, the script was torn up shortly after the final whistle when defender Lisandro Martinez made a series of broadsides at the management of the club in his post-match interview wi
Why did Man United struggle against Spurs?
After a lengthy break, and with a heightened atmosphere around Old Trafford, this wasn't the return that anyone would've wanted. Spurs dominated possession and territory in the opening half-hour and could have had a healthy lead.Improvement came after half-time and, with a superb goal from Bryan Mbeumo followed soon after by a red card for Rodrigo Bentancur, hope and relief briefly flowed
Can Man United kick-start season against Spurs?
The Premier League returns after the extended international break and it's a chance for Michael Carrick to reset and get the campaign off on a better footing. If league form is anything to go by, Tottenham Hotspur SHOULD be a useful opposition in that regard, but before last season this fixture hadn't been kind.There are several questions over fitness and availability going into Saturday&#
Man United's Greatest Players: Part Three
It's the final countdown... the top five greatest Manchester United players of all time (according to Andy Mitten). If our previous episode was contentious, the decisions here are more straightforward, albeit the choice between two great midfielders is the one that wracked Andy's conscience more than any...That aside the theme of influence, whether it be through leadership, longevity, stre
Man United's Greatest Players: Part Two
After a brief aside (!) we return to our discussion of Manchester United's greatest ever players, as adjudicated by Andy Mitten. If you thought the countdown from 25-11 was tough enough, we're into the top ten and it is not getting any easier.This episode will see us count from 10 to 6 and, on footballing talent alone, it wouldn't be far off a top five. Fascinating characters who creat
How might City verdict impact Man United?
It's taken eight years to arrive, but the verdict of the Premier League's independent commission has sent shockwaves through football, finding Manchester City guilty on almost all charges of financial misstatements and failure to cooperate with their investigation.The Athletic's David Ornstein broke the story late last week, with statements following from the Premier League and its Cha
Man United's Greatest Players: Part One
Who are the greatest players in the history of Manchester United Football Club? And where would you even start if someone asked you to try and figure it out!?Well, that's what happened to Andy Mitten when he decided not to go to the World Cup last summer. Luckily for us, he made a mighty fist of this titanic task with a series of articles for The Athletic.In this first episode of a three-part
Are Man United’s finances holding them back?
Financial results... not exactly a subject that gets the heart racing, but with Manchester United they do quite often raise the blood pressure. The Athletic's football finance expert Chris Weatherspoon joins us to analyse the latest numbers, which are more than a little worrying.Inevitably, debt is a headline again, but is it now really starting to put pressure on the club's ability to com
Can Man United's players do more?
Another weekend, another deflating performance in what has been a hugely disappointing start to the new season. Mateus Cunha's late equaliser may have rescued a point but does it do anything for the mood of fans who had been optimistic after the end of term surge last time around.As media commentators dig through the potential causes of this season's struggles, the running stats have become a hot
Problems pile up for Carrick & Man United
When Brighton fought back from an early two-nil deficit at Old Trafford on Wednesday night they were the first team to achieve that feat in fifty years but the mood around the game and the performance felt much more recent. We try to shake off the deja vu of it all and work out why the spark wasn't there despite Shea Lacey's cracking early goal.Michael Carrick has now lost two consecutive games fo
What does derby defeat say about Man United?
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 fo
How important is this derby for Man United?
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 intrigu
Cause for concern in Man United performance at Everton?
“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 co
Were Man United right not to buy on deadline day?
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
Who shone in Man United's Ipswich win?
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 perform
Man United's Champions League draw: LIVE!
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 wi
What was missing for Man United at Hull?
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
Does Carlos Baleba complete Man United’s transfer business?
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 dealin
What can Man United achieve this season?
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 co
What is Carrick’s vision for Man United?
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 Un
Who will start the season in Man United’s midfield?
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 stil
Are Man United Premier League ready?
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
Man United to bring Marcus Rashford back into fold?
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 show
Questions for Man United players after World Cup
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 Car
Man United adapt their midfield plan
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
Is Man United’s transfer window going to plan?
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
Man United’s transfer plans after Ugarte injury
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
Man United stadium update and transfer plans
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
From Man United's academy to the World Cup, with Zidane Iqbal
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 fixtu
Man United players to shine at the World Cup?
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
Man United end of season awards 2025/26
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 favouri
Man United Q&A: Rashford, Ederson, Keane, ‘Carrick-ball’, & more!
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
Perfect beginning (and end) for Carrick’s Man United
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 as
How can Man United challenge for the Premier League?
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 Micha
Inside Bruno's Premier League assist record
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 cha
Carrick ‘recommended’ for Man United job
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 emotional
Which Man United players failed Sunderland audition?
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
What’s left for Man United this season?
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
Man United seal Champions League against Liverpool
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
Will Man United beat biggest rivals to Champions League?
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 li
Casemiro scores again in Brentford victory
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?
Who are Man United targeting this summer?
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, dropp
The future of Man United's midfield (with Bryan Robson!)
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 m
Man United close in on Champions League at Chelsea
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 fr
How do Man United cope with defensive crisis at Chelsea?
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 abus
How damaging is Man United’s Leeds defeat?
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 Ca
Man United face Leeds with Champions League in sights
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 misfirin
Man United Quiz with Career We Go
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.
Why Maguire deserves a new Man United contract
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 internat
Will Man United add to their forward line this summer?
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, wit
Do Man United need to fix their defence this summer?
It's part two of our early look into summer transfer business, and the first parting of the ways on opinion. Everyone agrees midfield is the highest priority, but how important is it to bring in defensive reinforcements?The club has been well stocked with centre backs for quite a while now, not least because the team was playing with three of them under Ruben Amorim. Now that the formation require
What will Man United's midfield look like next season?
As we enter a lengthy break for the men's first XI it's time to take a look at what will be needed next season with European football, most likely the Champion's League, impending. We will publish three episodes of TotD this week, one on each department of the squad.In today's first of the three, it's the midfield. Without a doubt the most urgent area of recruitment as United have struggled to neg
Man United draw at Bournemouth after Maguire sees red
Bournemouth draw, they always draw, and we knew that. The circumstances were a bit more dramatic than expected, however, with Manchester United's manager Michael Carrick describing two of referee Stuart Attwell's decisions as "baffling" and "astonishing".Still, it was a good game and a good performance. Bruno Fernandes continues to impress spectators and statisticians, Matheus Cunha tormented the
Can Man United maintain momentum into break?
Michael Carrick takes his Manchester United squad to Bournemouth for a Friday night fixture which will be followed by a 23-day break. With a patchy recent record against the Cherries, a win will keep the Champions League charge going during that hiatus.Will there be a defensive reshuffle? Leny Yoro has regained some form and played very well against Aston Villa, but Lisandro Martinez is expected t
Bruno inspiration as Man United surge towards Champions League
It doesn't matter who called it first: Aston Villa came to Old Trafford and left with nothing, Michael Carrick maintains his 100% record at home, and United put clear air between themselves and the other contenders for top three in the Premier League.Bruno put in another inspirational display and assisted two of the three goals; he took the corner that allowed Casemiro to break the deadlock with a
Can Man United open gap to Champions League rivals?
The Champions League, is it the be-all-and-end-all of club football? With Manchester United's financial results getting a deep analysis from The Athletic's Chris Weatherspoon and cashflow problems coming into real focus, it has never seemed more important.Aston Villa are another club for whom chasing the glory and riches of the Champions League has been a huge part of the narrative. They will play
Is Carrick on course to be permanent Man United boss?
Defeat at Newcastle ended Michael Carrick's superb unbeaten run since taking interim charge of first team affairs at Manchester United. Does this actually give us an opportunity to build a more accurate picture of his work since taking over? Our first dive into summer business asks the question; is Carrick headed for the job on a permanent basis?We'll look at the football, of course, where most pe
Carrick’s Man United unbeaten run ends at Newcastle
The honeymoon is over... what about the future of the relationship? Michael Carrick's unbeaten run as Manchester United manager, which has lit a fire under the pursuit of Champions League football this season, is over.In truth, it was a poor performance; the team had laboured even during a largely uneventful opening forty minutes. Of course, the level of incident changed dramatically at the end of
Sesko strikes again as Man United go third
Another week, another win. Crystal Palace started brightly at Old Trafford and centre half Maxence Lacroix gave the visitors the lead in a stodgy first half-hour. But, Michael Carrick has the midas touch right now; he identified the tactical tweaks needed and Big Ben Sesko scored yet another crucial goal.It was Bruno Fernandes' pass to Matheus Cunha which allowed the Brazilian to slip past Lacroix
Should Sesko start against Palace?
Benjamin Sesko is so hot right now; the six foot Slovenian has been scoring regularly and impacting games. Is it time for Michael Carrick to hand him a start against an ailing Crystal Palace at Old Trafford?Having made club history by winning the FA Cup and the Community Shield, Palace are now in a bad way; the squad has been decimated by departures and injuries. Manager Oliver Glasner (tipped by
Sesko & Lammens lift Man United at Everton
After a fortnight off, Manchester United returned to Premier League action at Everton's Hill Dickinson stadium and, while the match didn't live up to our heightened expectations (heightened for all sorts of reasons), the team pulled off a big win with composure and inspiration in key moments.The composure and calm came from the back; Harry Maguire and co were in sufficiently combative mood, repell
Man United to return with a win at Everton?
Manchester United will return to Premier League action on Monday evening after thirteen days without a game; Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, and Carl Anka took advantage of the break with trips abroad but Andy is energised by an upcoming trip to Everton's nearly new Hill Dickinson Stadium.In on-pitch matters, the women's team made serene progress to the Champions League quarter finals by b
What makes a Man United goalkeeper with Eric Steele
Eric Steele was Manchester United goalkeeping coach for five years under Sir Alex Ferguson. Talk of the Devils is delighted to welcome him to our studio for a wide-ranging discussion with a man who has coached some of the best goalkeepers in football.From his own slightly unorthodox arrival at the club to the scouting, transfer, and management of David de Gea as Edwin van der Sar's replacement, he
How Ratcliffe’s comments impact Man United
A weekend without Premier League football and, with Manchester United out of the FA Cup, we were expecting a quiet few days. Unfortunately, the club has been in the headlines more than ever, and not in the way most fans would want.In an interview with Sky News at an industrial conference in Antwerp, co-owner and figurehead Sir Jim Ratcliffe gave a view on UK politics and his comments on immigratio
Sesko saves point for Man United at West Ham
Michael Carrick's 100% record as interim Manchester United manager (in this spell, at least) has come to and end. It was a disappointing game when compared to the four wins so far, of course, but how badly should we feel?Let's not forget, it should have been a defeat. Benjamin Sesko rescued a point in Stratford with an innovative finish deep into injury time. Does Sesko have qualities that are use
Man United chasing top three after Spurs win
MUFC's fourth consecutive win continued Michael Carrick's perfect start as Manchester United manager. OK, Spurs held their own until captain "Cristian" Romero was dismissed for a tackle on Casemiro, but the team is growing in confidence and the gap to third (and second) is narrowing.Our Bry found the corner after a neat set-piece routine and the evergreen, ever-prolific, Bruno sealed the win in th
Carrick’s United go for four in a row against Spurs
Lads, it's Tottenham. It's a well-worn phrase for a team that shouldn't be taken seriously; but what to make of this current Spurs team. They remain firmly in the bottom half of the Premier League table and fans are on the edge of mutiny, yet they have sailed through to the last 8 of the Champions League. And, let's not forget, they beat Manchester United four times last season.Instead of that fou
Quiet January, busy summer at Man United?
Premier League journalists have been able to put their feet up during January with only 33 'first-team' transfers taking place. For Manchester United that number is zero, with management deciding the squad they have in place is sufficient for the fixture list that lies ahead.In this TotD Extra podcast, we'll ask how much of a gamble it is to keep the powder dry, how close the club were to securing
Man United beat Fulham with late Sesko strike
Benjamin Sesko has his first Man United moment, scoring an injury-time winner in front of the Stretford End. We're hoping, of course, that it will be the first of many but will he have to wait a little while for his next opportunity? Patience has been as much a virtue for him as any of his physical prowess.At the other end of the spectrum, Casemiro's career at the club is coming to an end. The Bra
Is Fulham a truer test of Carrick’s Man United?
A 'gentle glow' is still lingering over Michael Carrick's Manchester United but, with seventh-placed Fulham coming to Old Trafford this weekend, are we now entering a run of games that will give us a clearer indication as to whether he has turned the team's fortunes around?Tactically, there aren't too many obvious concerns, but Fulham are a big strong side and physicality will be paramount. Becaus
Who are the frontrunners for Man United job?
It's January 2026 and, with things looking up for Manchester United under Michael Carrick, it's time for our first Q&A of the year. Frankly, there's only one question you want an answer to... what will it take for Carrick to get the job full time and, if he doesn't, who are the main candidates?There's a brighter outlook for several players, too. We consider the prospect of Kobbie Mainoo making
Man United win at Arsenal: are they Champions League-bound?
Amazing strikes from a resurgent Patrick Dorgu and supersub Matheus Cunha gave Manchester United a massive win at the Emirates Stadium after Bryan Mbeumo's first half equaliser set Arsenal hearts fluttering.Michael Carrick now has the shortest, most impressive resume, of any interim manager. Is it unfair to completely dismiss him as an option to take the job permanently? And how have the last few
Can Man United end Emirates drought?
What's this? A quiet week in Manchester United world?! Surely not! Yet, there has been little by way of headlines; is this the calming effect of Michael Carrick?Perhaps it's the lack of activity in the transfer market. Manuel Ugarte has been linked with Ajax and there are more than one Italian club keeping an eye on Joshua Zirkzee, but with no long-term transfer targets on the market a first-team
What next for Man United after statement derby win?
Here it is, almost 48 hours after the final whistle (sorry!), we're here to properly dissect the magnificent performance from Michael Carrick's mighty reds in the Manchester Derby.From Maguire and Martinez, Bruno, Casemiro, super sub Cunha, and "ballon" Dorgu there were top marks across the board as United 'pulverised' City into submission. It's a huge game, of course, and a heightened atmosphere
Can Carrick’s Man United lift the mood against City?
Michael Carrick is the new Head Coach, interim or otherwise, of Manchester United. How will he change the way the team plays and is the target of qualifying for the Champions League, stated explicitly to players by Director of Football Jason Wilcox, really achievable now?It will be a baptism of fire for Carrick and his staff with Manchester City coming to Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime. Will
What would Carrick move say about Man United’s leadership?
Darren Fletcher's brief stint in charge of Manchester United's first team may be over after a draw at Burnley and an FA Cup third round exit to Brighton. His (expected) departure saw some stern-sounding words for the playing staff after the game on Sunday; will he continue as part of a longer-term interim coaching team?Michael Carrick is now favourite to take the helm, having stepped in with some
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Learn UK English By Podcast
My IELTS Classroom Podcast
People Fixing the World
The History Hour
The Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast
Frank Off The Radio: The Frank Skinner Podcast
Newscast
Learning English from the News
