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

Another week, another painful watch, and another round of Premier League games without a win. Michael Carrick may or may not have been granted additional time as head coach but unless results improve the consequences for him, and the club, will be severe.While the first half display at Stamford Bridge was more positive, Morgan Rogers' passage through the United defence before scoring was no less alarming. Then, in the second half, United collapsed with Lisandro Martinez conceding a penalty and receiving two yellow cards in as many minutes. His form, and his contribution this season, come into sharp focus.Carrick must now prepare his squad for the Champions League visit of peak-form AS Roma. Martinez's inclusion, or otherwise, might give a hint to the Argentine's future, while the atmosphere at Old Trafford is tricky to predict as fans balance genuine anger with a desire for improvement.

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?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.

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.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.

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.

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 here

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.

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.

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.

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.