

Talk of the Devils: The Athletic FC's Manchester United show
The Athletic
Host Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell, Carl Anka and Andy Mitten on the world's biggest Manchester United podcast. Subscribe for expert insight from inside the club, breaking news and two episodes every week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

26 snips
Mar 5, 2026 • 49min
Carrick’s Man United unbeaten run ends at Newcastle
They dissect why a promising unbeaten streak ended in a lacklustre defeat at Newcastle. Conversation focuses on left‑side and midfield frailties, struggles to exploit a 10‑man advantage, and Bruno carrying the creative load. Squad construction, summer recruitment needs and late-game errors are debated. The panel also weighs tactical substitutions and whether momentum can be rebuilt.

9 snips
Mar 2, 2026 • 49min
Sesko strikes again as Man United go third
A comeback win after tactical tweaks and a late headed winner steal the headlines. Debate around a midfielder's change of position and candidacy for season awards heats up. Discussion of rising optimism as the team climbs the table and previews a tricky midweek trip to St James's Park.

8 snips
Feb 26, 2026 • 57min
Should Sesko start against Palace?
Andy Mitten, experienced Manchester United journalist with transfer and fan perspective, and Carl Anka, tactical writer who breaks down player roles, debate Benjamin Sesko’s starting case vs Crystal Palace. They discuss rotation, who might be dropped to fit Sesko in, Ramadan’s impact on selection, Palace’s decline under Glasner, substitution patterns since Carrick took charge, and United’s Q2 financial signals.

10 snips
Feb 24, 2026 • 56min
Sesko & Lammens lift Man United at Everton
A post-match breakdown of a gritty 1-0 win at Everton, highlighting a commanding goalkeeping display that steadied the backline. A discussion of a super-sub forward who keeps scoring and whether he should start. Tactical tweaks, set-piece resilience and squad management after a break are all debated. The mood is upbeat as unbeaten form and momentum are assessed.

Feb 20, 2026 • 58min
Man United to return with a win at Everton?
Megan Faringa, The Athletic football writer covering Manchester United Women, discusses United Women's smooth path to the Champions League quarter finals and standout performances from Jess Park. She highlights the squad's resilience, tactical threats from opponents like Bayern, and the challenge of packed cup fixtures. Short, sharp takes on coaching, injuries, and why fan support matters for big matches.

11 snips
Feb 18, 2026 • 1h 14min
What makes a Man United goalkeeper with Eric Steele
Eric Steele, former Manchester United goalkeeping coach who trained stars like Edwin van der Sar and David de Gea, shares stories from his long coaching career. He describes his unexpected route to Old Trafford. He talks scouting and signing De Gea, coaching routines and language adaptation. He reflects on training culture, recruitment, and memorable keepers he worked with.

16 snips
Feb 16, 2026 • 40min
How Ratcliffe’s comments impact Man United
Carl Anka, Athletic writer and analyst reporting on club reaction and commercial fallout. Andy Mitten, experienced United columnist on fan and political responses. Laurie Whitwell, senior United writer offering detailed club context. They discuss Ratcliffe’s controversial Antwerp comments and apology. Short segments on political backlash, internal staff and fan responses, and potential commercial and stadium consequences.

17 snips
Feb 11, 2026 • 47min
Sesko saves point for Man United at West Ham
A tense match recap focusing on Benjamin Sesko's last-gasp equaliser and whether he should start more often. Debate over Michael Carrick's substitution timing and overall stewardship. Analysis of West Ham's low block, United's flat first half and low xG. Discussion of Yoro's defensive maturity, squad depth needs and how fans can spend a quiet weekend.

11 snips
Feb 7, 2026 • 50min
Man United chasing top three after Spurs win
Mark Critchley, football journalist known for sharp match analysis, breaks down Manchester United's recent surge. He talks Carrick's winning start and the Spurs win, debates Romero's red card, and considers Bruno's influence and squad management. They also preview a tricky West Ham trip and weigh United's realistic top-three chances.

9 snips
Feb 5, 2026 • 46min
Carrick’s United go for four in a row against Spurs
A wide-ranging look at commercial strains behind the scenes, from sponsorship shortfalls to overseas friendly trade-offs. Debate over tactical selection with a late-impact striker versus a hungry starter. Discussion of Tottenham’s inconsistency and whether United can string wins together. Brief focus on player form including Luke Shaw and set-piece partnerships.


