Share
Talk of the Devils: The Athletic FC's Manchester United show
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 abusive language. It's also unlikely that Lisandro Martinez will feature after he was sent off against Leeds, so Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are expected to be Michael Carrick's centre half partnership. Add in uncertain form from United's attackers, and there are question marks there.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are adrift after a series of poor performances and results. Fans are showing open hostility to both the owners and the manager and they have attacking problems of their own having failed to score in four of their last five games. Surely, United can take a great stride toward Europe's top table with a win...
More episodes
View all episodes
Ten Hag Exclusive Interview : Recruitment, Ronaldo, Ratcliffe & Glory at Man United
54:57|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 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 hereWhere does Leeds draw leave Carrick?
57:04|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 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.What problems has Martinez exposed at Man United?
52:02|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 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.Martinez criticises Man United investment after Madrid defeat
31:47|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 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.Why did Man United struggle against Spurs?
54:17|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 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.Can Man United kick-start season against Spurs?
50:46|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'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.Man United's Greatest Players: Part Three
47:06|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, 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 CharltonRyan GiggsGeorge BestBryan RobsonRoy KeaneMan United's Greatest Players: Part Two
49:49|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 created some incredible moments, both on and off the pitch, and a mix of local talent with charismatic imports... causing arguments; it's what Manchester United is all about.How might City verdict impact Man United?
57:37|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 Chairman Richard Masters. City also made a statement denying their culpability and making clear their intention to appeal.There are now so many questions; what will happen next? What is an appropriate punishment? Might the history books have to be rewritten? (of course, some things simply can't be retrospectively altered) Importantly for us, what will Manchester United's reaction be, and how will it affect football in its aftermath?