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

On Monday night Everton became the first side to win at Old Trafford in the Premier League having had a man sent off. To say that doesn't tell the whole story is somewhat of an understatement.

The bizarre events that lead to a red card for Idrissa Gueye haven't been seen for a long, long time (only twice before in the Premier League, in fact). However, what followed was scarily familiar to Manchester United fans as the team failed to take advantage of the extra man and extra possession, were unable to build pressure, and ultimately looked bereft of ideas.

All this has dredged up certain questions. Will Amorim's steadfast refusal to change formation lead to his downfall? How can he manage the gap in quality between his favoured eleven and the squad players? Is it acceptable for a Manchester United team to lose any game in that manner?

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The last 48 hours of international football has provided some incredible drama. Laurie Whitwell travelled halfway around the world to witness a 0-0 draw between Jamaica and Curacao (which was more exciting than it sounds, tbf) while Denmark, featuring Patrick Dorgu and Rasmus Hojlund, were beaten to World Cup qualification by Scott McTominay and Scotland.

As we return to domestic affairs, the club has revealed a broad prognosis on Benjamin Sesko and we're expecting him back in action in the second half of December. What does that mean for United's forward line, then, and will it provide an opportunity for Joshua Zirkzee?

United's women had a great result against PSG but four games in eleven days has seen them struggle, especially without their first-choice 'keeper. Meanwhile, back in the Premier League, Everton are the first in what can be described, and has by Opta, as an appealing run of fixtures.

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It's been a slightly busier international break than usual and, with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro both putting in leading performances, we consider the prospects for a continued effort into Christmas with Manchester United. There's also news of a disappointment for Bryan Mbeumo and a report from Jamaica(!) who will face Curacao in a winner-takes-all showdown in CONCACAF qualifying for World Cup 2026.

Back in rainy Manchester, United's women got a terrific result at Old Trafford against Mary Earps' PSG, maintaining their 100% record in the Champions League. But, they came thoroughly unstuck just a few hours later when City dominated a WSL Manchester derby at the Etihad. Is the squad too thin, and can they pick themselves up for a tricky trip to Wolfsburg?

The Premier League action returns next Monday with a first ever visit to Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium, but with some OK(?) looking fixtures between now and Christmas, we are interested to see how the jam-packed top half of the table will look going into the new year.

To contribute to natural disaster relief in Jamaica, please visit: https://supportjamaica.gov.jm.

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Ruben Amorim was appointed by Manchester United, seemingly in a flash, twelve months ago to replace outgoing manager Erik Ten Hag. But why then, rather than the end of the season? And was anyone else seriously considered? A year later, and after an incredibly tempestuous spell so far, it looks like the storm has eased and the first team are plotting a healthier course.

In this special focussed discussion, we look back at the recruitment process and subsequent hiring of the Portuguese coach (and his team), how he operates both publicly and in private, and consider what progress has been made as well as our hopes for the future.

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A result, and a performance, that felt very familiar. Leading, then trailing, and rounded off with a late equaliser, Amorim's Manchester United reminded us (again) that they are a work in progress and that you can't believe the league table at half-time.

So here we are, again, praising Casemiro, but wondering if he has another five or ten minutes in him. We believe in Benjamin Sesko, but not without one or two slight concerns. We feel reassured by the ever-present Matthis de Ligt and fear the impending Afcon talent drain.

There's a massive few days in store for Manchester United's women. They'll be looking to put a disappointing defeat behind them when they host Mary Earps' PSG at Old Trafford on Wednesday. Then there's the small matter of a Manchester derby before another Champions League fixture away at Wolfsburg.

Join us at Soho Theatre Walthamstow on Tuesday evening; last few tickets available here.

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It's a hectic time for the Talk of the Devils crew, with two more live shows coming up next week in Manchester (sold out) and Walthamstow (last few tickets here), but Andy found time to squeeze in a Radiohead gig in Madrid; clearly, it's had a profound effect.

Ruben Amorim's Manchester United have one thing on their minds, winning at Spurs. It might actually be easier to achieve that in North London, where Thomas Frank has made a disappointing start, in contrast to a very good record on the road. Another interesting element will be how much possession the visitors have to play with, and how they approach the likely challenge of a low block.

We also heard from Jonny Evans (on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football) and Jason Wilcox (the club's Inside Carrington podcast) this week. Is it a sign of a more open policy with the media, and is that a good thing?

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November has arrived and, while there haven't been any major fireworks yet, we're feeling much better about Manchester United under Ruben Amorim.

In this extra episode, we've opened the floor to questions and you've delivered once again. So, whether it's the immediate future of midfield, reporting on the club as a fan, or the weather at AFCON, we cover plenty of ground.

Join us next Tuesday (11th November) at Soho Theatre in Walthamstow for TotD LIVE.

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Manchester United salvaged a draw at the City Ground, home of Nottingham Forest, with a fantastic volley from Amad Diallo (his first goal of the season) and could have gone on to win the game late on with Forest defenders scrambling to deny the same player.

But, in the same game, they had thrown away a one-nil lead with ninety seconds of madness just after half-time. So, was this a case of a point gained or two dropped? According to our inbox, it's up for debate.

There were more bright points, such as the performance of Casemiro, and other negatives too (what will Amorim do when he loses three key right-side players to AFCON?). One thing isn't in question, though. It's better than last season.

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Three wins in a row, confidence seeping back into players, and an encouraging set of fixtures over the next few weeks. Life is so much brighter now for Manchester United fans, but is there still a fragility to the mood, and is the football sustainable?

Ruben Amorim's critics are, naturally, quieter than they were. But what has brought about the change in form? Is it the manager's stubborn resolve finally paying off, or has he actually made significant changes to the way his team plays?

And, what of Nottingham Forest? Recent form suggests a tough task, but they are already on their third permanent manager this season having just replaced a man who has an admirable record against Manchester United with one who does not.

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Back, to back, to back. If Sunderland was relief, and Liverpool was elation, what does a win at home to Brighton mean? Does it mean Manchester United are now good again, and does it mean we can be genuinely optimistic about this season?

Mark Critchley WAS at Old Trafford with Carl Anka on Saturday and they are in the studio with Ian while Andy joins us online from Spain. Everyone was delighted to see Matheus Cunha get off the mark for his new club with a smart finish from the edge of the box. Meanwhile, Bryan Mbeumo and Senne Lammens continue to breathe confidence into fans, and Casemiro showed his value as well.

It was Bruno Fernandes' 300th appearance and he granted an audience to the press (including our own Laurie Whitwell) at Carrington on Friday. His comments about individual accolades versus team success are reassuring, especially with the context of that Brighton victory, while he also offered an interesting response when asked if he might leave this summer.

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