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

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 useful against this sort of opposition, should he be starting more games, and should he have been introduced earlier?Coming up this weekend... nothing. Well, not for the men's team anyway. We talk about what we'll do with a little extra spare time on our hands and catch up with some interesting correspondence.

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 the second half (albeit not before a few Andy Mitten nerves). In truth, there was very little jeopardy as they wrapped up a nice, easy victory.West Ham away next, a rare midweek fixture, and despite the Hammers spending most of the season in the relegation zone this could be a tricky one. Stratford has been the site of some stinkers recently and Nuno's team have a glimpse of hope after some decent results.

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 four, let's think about how Michael Carrick can make it four wins in a row. Will he stick with the Fulham line-up, a hungry Cunha and Luke Shaw included, or will he give matchwinner Benjamin Sesko a starting berth?On the pitch, things are looking up. Off it, however, the football performances may have started to feed into commercial performance. Record revenues may mask a less competitive outfit with Liverpool and Manchester City both overtaking United in the Deloitte Football Money League. We look at some of the questions facing business leaders behind the scenes.For more information about Munich memorial services, please consult the club website.

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 the signature of Antoine Semenyo, and round up the deals that did happen at youth level.All this means we're expecting significant activity in the coming summer. Once again, central midfield is the main area of vulnerability, doubly so with Casemiro heading for the exit. Can United afford to lose Bruno and/or Harry Maguire as well, and who are the most likely targets to beef up the squad?

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 Brazilian still has plenty to offer, though, and showed it again with a trademark set-piece goal and a no-look assist. We also saw what his absence can mean after his substitution once again coincided with a team wobble.Protests before the game took place in two locations; Carl went to speak to some of the fans marching to the ground. The themes remain largely the same, albeit anti-Glazer sentiment has also provoked hostility to INEOS, seen in some quarters as enabling the majority owners' unpopular business strategy.

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. Because of that, Patrick Dorgu may be a big miss. Ruled out for an estimated ten weeks with a hamstring injury, the young Dane has put in some powerful, intense performances recently and is showing glimpses of real potential.There are a few variations Carrick can implement in Dorgu's absence, but it puts a little more onus on the fitness of Luke Shaw. The team will also rely on the experience of Casemiro, Harry Maguire, and Bruno; with the Brazilian's departure this summer confirmed, do the club need to hang on to their other veterans?To contribute to The Athletic's podcast listening survey, please go to: theathletic.com/survey26

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 it to the World Cup (Finals) and think about who might start at Fulham; a different sort of test for the new, well balanced, coaching setup.And, of course, we've an assortment of some of your more outlandish ideas and suggestions before checking in on our wild take amnesty from the start of the season.To contribute to The Athletic's podcast listening survey, please go to: theathletic.com/survey26

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 days changed our perception of what a Manchester United manager should be.However things progress over the next few months, a more acute change in mood is difficult to imagine. United now sit fourth in the Premier League; are they in pole position (outside the top 3) to take a Champions League spot next season?(We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey26)

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 acquisition doesn't seem likely.Things will get lively again come Sunday, for sure. Arsenal have a formidable defence, Declan Rice, and their set-pieces; it may be as tough as ever getting three points at the Emirates Stadium. But with renewed confidence and a week on the training ground, who knows...To give feedback on The Athletic's podcasting, please go to http://theathletic.com/survey26