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

It's a fresh looking line-up on Talk of the Devils as Mark Critchley and Jay Harris drop by to talk Jadon Sancho, money matters, and Liverpool with Ian and Andy.Sancho got his first goal back in yellow at the weekend and Jay was at Bremen to see the game and talk to various Dortmund figures about how the United exile is doing. With Antony also failing to fire in red, it could be an interesting summer for the two big-money signings.Critch, meanwhile, has had a much less interesting assignment; he seems concerned about his new status as our US finance correspondent. And, with a massive game against Liverpool coming up this weekend, the stakes couldn't be higher for Erik Ten Hag. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Once again, it wasn't pretty, but Manchester United got the job done. two-nil at home with Alejandro Garnacho winning two first-half penalties, scored by different players.The same questions remain, though. Casemiro's wasteful performance with the ball was the latest worrying midfield display and a huge performance was required by both centre halves, especially this season's unexpected hero Jonny Evans.One person who didn't enjoy Saturday's game is Evertonian Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester. He joins us to discuss his role on a new task force of "decision makers" aiming to get the ball rolling on the redevelopment of Old Trafford and the surrounding area. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team have relocated to Hotel Football, overlooking a very famous waterway, not that Ian Irving would know. We're going in-depth today, first on Andre Onana, the subject of 'cautious optimism' and a detailed profile by Andy Mitten and Carl Anka.Slightly less optimistic, though not without hope, is the outlook for Manchester United's Women's team. They haven't been able to recreate the magic of last season having lost key players. Might they lose an even bigger asset in Mary Earps?...and, with Everton coming to Old Trafford this weekend, there's no room for any sentiment with wins at an absolute premium.***We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey24. Three lucky entries will win £/$100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. • Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/reddevils Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marcus Rashford would have been a huge talking point on Manchester derby day whatever happened after his op-ed for the Players Tribune. But, with less than ten minutes on the clock, he struck hope into red hearts with a lightning strike from thirty yards.Throughout the first half Erik Ten Hag's innovative selection had Pep and City frustrated, albeit they used the lion's share of possession and territory to carve out some decent chances, one in particular...But, Phil Foden turned the game on its head with two goals, and we were left wondering if this was a worrying indictment of United's status quo or if injuries were sufficient to justify the game-plan.***We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey24. Three lucky entries will win £/$100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you're a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback.• Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/reddevils Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The awesome foursome are united once again on Monday morning after Manchester United scraped through to the FA Cup quarter finals at the City Ground.Casemiro's late run, late in the game, was just enough to edge out relegation-threatened Forest in a "scrappy" encounter, and Erik Ten Hag was in a scrappy mood himself, defending Bruno (who assisted the goal with inventive free-kick delivery).However, the Manchester Derby comes next and, with so many positional problems it's difficult to be bullish about this one. Will Andy's hearty rallying cry inspire the team, and the fans, to turn Manchester red again? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Monday morning full-house from the podcast team, but there's precious little positivity on offer after Manchester United lost at home to Marco Silva's Fulham.An injury to Rasmus Hojlund in training on Friday was a huge blow and it was alarming how much that unsettled the United attack. Our main concern, though, is how familiar many of the team's problems look.Erik Ten Hag bemoaned the inability to sign an additional striker over the last two transfer windows, but there's no doubting the pressure on the manager now to produce results; starting with the FA Cup tie at Nottingham Forest on Wednesday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have, after an arduous process, completed their partial takeover of Manchester United and will now assume control of football operations.We'll hear from Sir Jim himself, speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday afternoon in central London. The Athletic's Adam Crafton was there, and he joins us to reflect on a wide-ranging discussion.From stadium development to corporate structure via player trading, FFP, and Monday mornings across Manchester, get the lowdown on the man who wants to take United back to the top.Producer: Ollie BellwoodExec Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/reddevils to grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United won 2-1 at Luton's Kenilworth Road on Sunday night, and Andy Mitten was the happiest man in Bedfordshire.It wasn't all plain sailing, despite Rasmus Hojlund setting new Premier League record's for United's fastest goal and their fastest two-goal lead away from home.In fact, it became a bit of a chore. Partly because Luton showed their resilience, but also as a result of some tactical errors by senior pros. Thank Carrington, then, for Kobbie Mainoo who put in another calm, collected performance in midfield.Producer: Ollie BellwoodExec Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/reddevils to grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United have identified Newcastle's Dan Ashworth as their primary target for the position of Sporting Director. With investment from Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS nearing approval, a period of dramatic change seems inevitable.It's a fascinating time for us to be able to talk in depth with the club's Director of Academy, Nick Cox. In a wide-ranging discussion, we get into the realities of turning raw young talents into successful players and men.And, with a trip to Luton coming up this weekend, Ian, Andy, and Laurie are excited to see how Erik Ten Hag's men cope with the unique challenge that is Kenilworth Road.Producer: Ollie BellwoodExec Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Grow your business - no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/reddevils Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian, Carl, and Laurie are up bright and early on Monday morning in the hope that we can catch Andy Mitten has he passes through yet another airport. This time, it's India, where he enjoyed Manchester United's huge win at Villa in the company of a club legend.Scott McTominay earned that win with another late goal, prompting a magnificent stat from Laurie. We get into his unique role and a renewed determination from the team that left Erik Ten Hag in bullish mood.It was a great evening for Harry Maguire who dominated at set-pieces and Diogo Dalot had another good game as well. The pursuit of Champions League football feels like it's firmly back on track!Producer: Ollie BellwoodExec Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Grow your business - no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/reddevils Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.