October international break can only mean one thing, seemingly random news stories about Manchester United. This time it’s the ownership in focus. Coming to you from the boardroom in Dublin, the team break away from the Talk of the Devils Live tour to discuss claims the club might be for sale.

With Sir Jim Ratcliffe looking to make a new stadium his lasting legacy at Manchester United, fan surveys sent out on the future of ticketing have raised a few eyebrows. Not so the Manchester United women’s team, who came roaring back to beat Everton at the Hill Dickinson stadium.

Finally, we catch up on some international Reds (and former Reds). Who might impress ahead of next summer’s World Cup? And who’s ready for Anfield.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've said it before, no doubt we'll say it again... just when you think Manchester United are going to have a quiet week, something happens! This time it was minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe talking at length to a new business podcast from The Times (https://podfollow.com/the-business).

The emphasis of Sir Jim's words may have been distorted by headline writers, but he did say he wants to give Ruben Amorim three years to prove himself as a good coach; we applaud the sentiment, but is it really possible if results don't change?

Another point of contention was the academy. Changes have been made at Carrington recently, one of the side-effects being disruption for some of the youth teams, and there have been staff changes as well. We ask if the academy is in good shape, and how much it should conform itself to the modern game?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October international break and it's time for another Talk of the Devils Extra, this time it's an audience Q&A.

So, after another healthy response from you all we cover the season so far, whether we'd swap the Brentford/Chelsea results, why the team are swapping ends, and Amorim's system.

There's also an update on the best chippy in Manchester (albeit not a definitive one), Carl's preferred driving instructor, and the moment we'd all like to relive.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saturday saw a "routine" win for Manchester United at Old Trafford, if there can be such a thing under Ruben Amorim. The head coach was certainly not under that impression, saying there's "no momentum" for his team.

Nevertheless, it was a good result and an encouraging performance. Senne Lammens made an excellent impression on Premier League debut; not perfect, but reassured, and that composure helped the defence along with a markedly more direct approach to distribution.

Speaking of direct distribution, Benjamin Sesko did well again, getting his first goal at Old Trafford and providing that outlet. He's getting good reports from within. And, of course, there's Mason Mount. We'll let Laurie fill in the details.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laurie Whitwell taking a day off? As if that would happen. Our resident newshound stepped back into the breach despite a scheduled absence to tell us all about potential changes to development plans for a new Old Trafford and plans for.a mid-season friendly in Saudi Arabia.

Ruben Amorim's future has been the source of increased speculation in the media, and throughout the fanbase, but noises from within the club are that he will be given more time, and more transfer windows, before any judgement is acted upon. The Athletic's new financial writer joins us to talk about his beloved Sunderland and whether Manchester United are particularly profligate when it comes to managerial compensation.

That Sunderland game is another big one, another "decent side" testing the team's fragile confidence. Will we see Senne Lammens take over in goal, will Amad return to action, and will the newly reintegrated Tyrell Malacia be named in the squad?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another failed attempt at back-to-back wins and a worrying performance saw a significant shift in the mood of our correspondence, and amongst our team as well.

The ease with which Brentford, who haven't started the season brilliantly themselves, were able to exploit the flaws in Manchester United's set-up, and the lack of intensity on show from the Reds only added to the sense of alarm.

Even Benjamin Sesko's first goal in club colours couldn't lighten the mood significantly... How long can this go on for Amorim? Is the support from his higher ups still resolute? It's getting tense.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United will face Brentford in West London on Saturday lunchtime looking to pick up back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Mark Critchley joins Ian, Andy, and Carl in the studio to preview the game, but are we confident of three points?

The man most likely to provide cutting edge in attack is actually one of a host of key/leadership figures who left Brentford in the Summer. Bryan Mbeumo, however you pronounce his name, has started life well at United and as The Athletic's Jay Harris will attest he is a straight-forward, reliable performer.

We also catch up with some correspondence covering a broad range of questions including sliding doors moments, Evans-sized chickens, and exciting U21s prospects.

Come to our live shows in the Autumn:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United made it back-to-back wins (at Old Trafford) by beating the World Champions! It was a madcap first half with the Blues ''keeper Robert Sanchez sent off in the opening minutes before Bruno Fernandes, making his 200th appearance, gave United the lead with his 100th goal.

They overcame the dismissal of second goalscorer Casemiro for a second bookable offence and the back three emerged with great credit as United toughed out a late wobble after Trevoh Chalobah pulled one back for Chelsea.

So, how much has that improved our Monday mood and how much are we looking forward to the next few weeks? (spoiler alert; loads) it will be an exciting time for the women's team as well after Elisabeth Terland fired them into the Champions League and they followed up with a resolute point against Arsenal in the WSL.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Critchley joins Ian, Carl, and Andy on a week when Manchester United were all over the news again, and not in a good way. Everyone has an opinion, don't they, but what's the truth behind our results in the Premier League this season...

The club's financial results were published on Wednesday (sort of, we'll let Critch explain). In short, it's a record figure for revenue; great news you might think, but dig down a little into the numbers and it gets a bit more complicated.

Chelsea come to Old Trafford this Saturday teatime with a deeply (and we mean, deeply) unenviable record since Sir Alex Ferguson's tenure. They were roundly beaten at Bayern, but Andy isn't having any talk of them as a "crisis club". Alejandro Garnacho will be looking to make an impression, you would think; how will he be received by the home crowd?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Talk of the Devils Extra, the first of the new season, we take stock of the atmosphere at Old Trafford; why it's important, how it has evolved over the years, and how we can make sure it thrives in the future.

Joining us are some special guests, chant leader Pete Boyle and youth supporters club representative Luca Black, but of course this is Andy Mitten's specialist subject and he has plenty to say as well.

So whether you remember the glory days or not, join us for a trip down memory lane... we hope you agree it's a welcome break from analysing the football!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.