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

In this Talk of the Devils Extra, the first of the new season, we take stock of the atmosphere at Old Trafford; why it's important, how it has evolved over the years, and how we can make sure it thrives in the future.

Joining us are some special guests, chant leader Pete Boyle and youth supporters club representative Luca Black, but of course this is Andy Mitten's specialist subject and he has plenty to say as well.

So whether you re...

It's difficult to believe it now, but there was a healthy degree of confidence going into the latest edition of the Manchester derby. Yes, Ruben Amorim's United are still a work-in-progress, but they are slowly improving, and City are going through the mill a bit as well, right?

That's not how it turned out at all. Despite a half-decent first fifteen minutes and a brief flicker after half-time, Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and the re...

It's the first Manchester derby of the new season and, coming quite early in proceedings, there are lots of interesting question marks hanging over both teams.

Firstly, there's the issue of form and fitness: there was relatively little action on the international front for the two squads but there are a couple of fresh injury concerns.

Then, there's the tactical battle. Ruben Amorim has fared well against Pep Guardiola so far in his ...

Andre Onana has joined Turkish side Trabzonspor on loan in a shock post-UK-transfer-deadline move. Broadcaster Engin Kehale tells us about the Super Lig's goalkeeping carousel, but does that mean he has played his last game for Manchester United?

It sounds like good news for Senne Lammens. The young Belgian has had to be patient to get his chance at domestic level in his home country but things have suddenly moved very quickly for h...

The Premier League is taking a break for international fixtures so it's a chance for us to take stock. High on the agenda, of course, how Manchester United's new signings will fare now that we know the make-up of the squad until January, at least.

Most pressingly, there are concerns about options in midfield. Louis Saha thinks that area could affect the whole team, not least Benjamin Sesko as he takes on the tough task of filling th...

Manchester United bought a goalkeeper on transfer deadline day and it was the young Belgian Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp. The transfer went through despite late whispers of a switch to Emi Martinez and Aston Villa's Argentinian was left hanging on the phone.

With sales required, the club were able to move all but Tyrell Malacia from Ruben Amorim's "bomb squad" and we are all left with a satisfactory impression of the business a...

Manchester United's men won their first game of football this season (the women won, too; more on that soon). Where Grimsby had started to feel like Ruben Amorim might be reaching his Old Trafford endgame, Bruno's late penalty saw off Burnley and the feeling is very different going into the international break.

There were many positives; Bryan Mbeumo, the whole first half display, and the creation of several major opportunities. Unf...

This isn't the first time we've used the phrase "a new low" in recent years, not by a long way, but it's difficult to see us using it again soon.

Amorim's United were dominated by fourth-tier Grimsby Town as the hosts took a deserved 2-0 lead in the first half of their Carabao Cup second round tie.

Despite fighting back to draw level, new signings Cunha & Mbeumo missed in a penalty shootout loss. After the game, Ruben Amo...

Oh no, are we doing this again?! After a positive opening day performance in defeat at home to Arsenal. hopes were high as United's faithful headed South for the annual raid of Craven Cottage. Unfortunately, after a decent start, some old habits crept back in and it started to feel worryingly like last season.

Part of the problem was a penalty miss by Bruno, who had a strange day, and represents the most high profile of several midf...

A few days on from Manchester United’s defeat to Arsenal, Ian Irving is joined by Andy Mitten, Laurie Whitwell and Carl Anka to unpack the big talking points. From United’s uncertain goalkeeping situation to the impact of the new signings, the panel debate where the team really stands — and ask the burning question: where was Kobbie Mainoo?

We also dive into Carl’s analysis of Matthijs de Ligt, hear from Andy’s conversation with...

Another Premier League season begins, and it's another home defeat for Amorim's Manchester United. The stats don't look good, but you can make stats say anything...

We're actually feeling quite upbeat about things in general. New signings Cunha and Mbeumo played well individually and within the team. If there's to be no Baleba at Old Trafford this season, maybe there are a few believers in the midfielders already at the club.

Of cour...

It's the eve of the Premier League season: at Manchester United, Omar Berrada and Ruben Amorim have addressed staff as they do everything possible to hit the ground running. While there are a few nagging doubts, the mood is good and there is real hope of positive change.

Will the team change much? Ruben Amorim has been criticised for sticking rigidly to his system but he can, of course, name a completely new front three. Pre-season ...

Manchester United have got their man... again! Benjamin Sesko (pronounced Ben-ya-min Sheshko) met the Old Trafford crowd before the final pre-season game against Fiorentina (featuring David de Gea) and United's £200m revamp of their frontline is now complete.

It's not just the frontline that's had a lick of paint. The rejuvenated training facilities at Carrington were unveiled on Friday and, despite holidays for the whole podcast te...

Ruben Amorim met with the press pack at the end of the Premier League's US Summer Series for a wide-ranging discussion encompassing his tenure so far, how things are progressing ahead of the new season, his relationship with the owner, and more.

United actually won the Summer Series trophy but their faces didn't seem to know after a slightly underwhelming performance against Everton. Captain Bruno Fernandes spoke out after the game,...

Manchester United's pursuit of a centre forward, to complete a brand new front three, stepped up a notch this week with the news that Benjamin Sesko is their prime target. We mull over what might have triggered that acceleration, whether his form stacks up, and how they might be able to afford him at his 2025 price.

Over in Chicago, the lads are cuddled up in the Felix Hotel business suite having savoured the sights and sounds of th...

A victory over West Ham in the first game of the US tour, and a very encouraging performance from Amorim's developing squad. We were impressed by the interplay and structure, the partnerships showing promise, and the warm familiarity of Bruno bagging a brace.

Having played 70 minutes in New Jersey's Metlife Stadium, we're now wondering how close that starting eleven will be to the one that faces Arsenal on the opening day of the Pre...

It's time for the pre-season tour and we're delighted that Andy and Laurie will both be in attendance; as will Manchester United's newest signing, Bryan Mbeumo! It wasn't quite on the B of the bang but United got their man in the end and he will be able to acclimatise with his new teammates in the USA.

Marcus Rashford won't be there. He is the first member of "the bomb squad' to agree a deal to leave the club, and it's his dream des...

Pre-season is here which can only mean one thing... injury disruption. Yes, ahead of the first game (against Leeds in Solna) the news broke that Andre Onana has suffered a hamstring strain. But will he be back in time for the Arsenal game, and what does it mean for the 'keeping department?

The podcast team have been putting their last football-free weekend to good use, but what (and who) are they most looking forward to seeing now t...

Pre-season is here and Ruben Amorim has his work cut out after his disastrous first few months in charge, but what, precisely, does he need to achieve before the Premier League resumes in mid-August?

The training squad is five lighter after Rashford, Sancho, Garnacho, Antony, and Malacia were given extra time away to find new clubs, so where does new no. 10 Cunha fit and how strong is each department looking?

There's no doubt...