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

Afleveringen

1. Why Carrick survived at Man United & Sesko injury blow

   29 oktober 2026 · 53 min

   Afspelen
   Despite what you might have read earlier in the week, Manchester United have not sacked head coach Michael Carrick. He will continue with his 'normal' duties for the game at Chelsea, and potentially beyond. Is it a show of support, though? Lees meer

   Whatever may happen in the future his task now is to galvanise a squad that is low on confidence, one that has been sent a message by fans. He will also need to get his captain onside and get him back to his best form.

   He'll have to do it all without Benjamin Sesko until at least January. Laurie's exclusive story this week explains the reason behind his extended absence since early this season and why the club are carefully managing his return to action.

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2. Carrick in limbo at Man United

   27 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 15 min

   Afspelen
   Ian Irving is joined by Laurie Whitwell, Andy Mitten, and Cerys Jones to reflect on another miserable afternoon at Old Trafford as a terrible result and a mutinous atmosphere leave head coach Michael Carrick on the brink of losing his job. Lees meer

   Carrick looks set to remain in position for today, at least, but for how much longer? We briefly consider who is to blame for the club’s latest crisis, reflect on the growing anger among supporters, and try (with difficulty) to retain some optimism as we wonder whether anything will really change at Manchester United any time soon.

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3. Man United embarrassed at Como - what next?

   22 oktober 2026 · 47 min

   Afspelen
   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. Lees meer

   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.

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4. Ten Hag Exclusive Interview : Recruitment, Ronaldo, Ratcliffe & Glory at Man United

   20 oktober 2026 · 55 min

   Afspelen
   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. Lees meer

   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 contribute to a ‘toxic’ culture at Old Trafford.

   We also hear of his satisfaction in developing United’s next generation and his frustrations over recruitment, including the failure to sign Harry Kane.

   Read Laurie's interview on The Athletic here

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5. Where does Leeds draw leave Carrick?

   19 oktober 2026 · 57 min

   Afspelen
   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. Lees meer

   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 trip to the glamourous surroundings of Lake Como comes next for Carrick and co, and while there's less pressure from the Champions League table, the margin for error provided by a win would be more than welcome, grazie mille.

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6. What problems has Martinez exposed at Man United?

   15 oktober 2026 · 52 min

   Afspelen
   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? Lees meer

   Martinez has been criticised for speaking out but he has shone a spotlight on some very real problems, not least this summer's transfer business. Were his comments entirely fair, and how might leadership react?

   Next up for Michael Carrick's United squad is a trip to Elland Road; can they shut out the noise, there will be plenty of it, and somehow carve out a result? With squad frailties exposed and Bruno yet to find his best form this season, Premier League-toughened Leeds will be looking to take advantage.

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7. Martinez criticises Man United investment after Madrid defeat

   14 oktober 2026 · 32 min

   Afspelen
   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. Lees meer

   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 with broadcaster Amazon Prime.

   We consider the comments and how they will be received by fans, his teammates, manager Michael Carrick, senior executives including Director of Football Jason Wilcox and, of course, club ownership.

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8. Why did Man United struggle against Spurs?

   11 oktober 2026 · 54 min

   Afspelen
   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. Lees meer

   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 around the stadium. Unfortunately, with United, playing against ten men doesn't feel like an advantage these days... far from it.

   Next up, it's a trip to Madrid and a genuine Champions League event. Diego Simeone's Atletico are a formidable force, especially at home, and it's the start of a quickfire series of tough psychological and physical tests for Michael Carrick and his squad.

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9. Can Man United kick-start season against Spurs?

   8 oktober 2026 · 51 min

   Afspelen
   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. Lees meer

   There are several questions over fitness and availability going into Saturday's game. Will Carlos Baleba make his much awaited debut, what should we make of the various withdrawals from international commitments, and what can we expect from some of United's longer term absentees?

   And, there have been several news stories away from the pitch as well, big, small, and huge. We update on those, of course, but the main thing is to see an uptick in league form; hopefully a massive international break is as good as a change for Carrick and co.

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10. Man United's Greatest Players: Part Three

    5 oktober 2026 · 47 min

    Afspelen
    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... Lees meer

    That aside the theme of influence, whether it be through leadership, longevity, strength in adversity, or even just powerful charisma, runs through this discussion. As with many of the top 25, there are controversial elements, too.

    Whatever you think about the final list, there can be little argument about the vast contribution these five men have made to Manchester United. Knowing about Prefab Sprout, not compulsory.

    Read more about Andy's choices:

    Bobby Charlton

    Ryan Giggs

    George Best

    Bryan Robson

    Roy Keane

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