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

Oh no, are we doing this again?! After a positive opening day performance in defeat at home to Arsenal. hopes were high as United's faithful headed South for the annual raid of Craven Cottage. Unfortunately, after a decent start, some old habits crept back in and it started to feel worryingly like last season.

Part of the problem was a penalty miss by Bruno, who had a strange day, and represents the most high profile of several midfield riddles for Ruben Amorim. Stick or twist with your talisman... and who to play along side him?

As the first team head to Cleethorpes for their first League Cup Second Round tie in two decades the question of reinforcements, specifically in midfield and in goal, continues to dominate the conversation. It could be a busy few days in the transfer market!

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A few days on from Manchester United’s defeat to Arsenal, Ian Irving is joined by Andy Mitten, Laurie Whitwell and Carl Anka to unpack the big talking points. From United’s uncertain goalkeeping situation to the impact of the new signings, the panel debate where the team really stands — and ask the burning question: where was Kobbie Mainoo?

We also dive into Carl’s analysis of Matthijs de Ligt, hear from Andy’s conversation with Harry Maguire, and get Laurie’s take on United’s new academy director, Steven Torpey.

And with Fulham up next, the lads look ahead to Craven Cottage — is this where United’s season really begins?

Come to our live shows in the Autumn:

• Belfast (The Limelight) – October 12, 2025: Click here to buy tickets
• Dublin (Vicar Street) – October 13, 2025: Click here to buy tickets
• Cork (Opera House) – October 14, 2025: Click here to buy tickets
• Manchester (New Century Hall) – November 10, 2025: Click here to buy tickets
• London (Soho Theatre, Walthamstow) – November 11, 2025: Click here to buy tickets

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Another Premier League season begins, and it's another home defeat for Amorim's Manchester United. The stats don't look good, but you can make stats say anything...

We're actually feeling quite upbeat about things in general. New signings Cunha and Mbeumo played well individually and within the team. If there's to be no Baleba at Old Trafford this season, maybe there are a few believers in the midfielders already at the club.

Of course, there are always worries. Right now the number one concern is, well, the number one shirt. Altay Bayindir made a high profile "error" to concede the winning goal, prompting tense exchanges in Ruben Amorim's post-match press conference. Will it provoke a foray into the market? And what about Utd's other transfer targets, not to mention the players they'd like to move on?

Come to our live shows in the Autumn:

• Belfast (The Limelight) – October 12, 2025: Click here to buy tickets
• Dublin (Vicar Street) – October 13, 2025: Click here to buy tickets
• Cork (Opera House) – October 14, 2025: Click here to buy tickets
• Manchester (New Century Hall) – November 10, 2025: Click here to buy tickets
• London (Soho Theatre, Walthamstow) – November 11, 2025: Click here to buy tickets

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It's the eve of the Premier League season: at Manchester United, Omar Berrada and Ruben Amorim have addressed staff as they do everything possible to hit the ground running. While there are a few nagging doubts, the mood is good and there is real hope of positive change.

Will the team change much? Ruben Amorim has been criticised for sticking rigidly to his system but he can, of course, name a completely new front three. Pre-season was encouraging and, while the likes of Carlos Baleba would be more than welcome, fears of another season like the last have receded significantly.

The opening league fixture will be a tough one, though, with Arsenal heading to Old Trafford bolstered by new signings including midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Ruben Amorim's former striker Viktor Gyokeres. But, will the Gunners' set-pieces once again provide the number one threat?

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Manchester United have got their man... again! Benjamin Sesko (pronounced Ben-ya-min Sheshko) met the Old Trafford crowd before the final pre-season game against Fiorentina (featuring David de Gea) and United's £200m revamp of their frontline is now complete.

It's not just the frontline that's had a lick of paint. The rejuvenated training facilities at Carrington were unveiled on Friday and, despite holidays for the whole podcast team, we had boots on the ground in the shape of Mark Critchley.

So, is that it for renovations? Well, maybe not! Brighton's Carlos Baleba has been heavily linked to provide a shot in the arm of United's midfield, and rumours of a move for a goalkeeper won't quite disappear either. With time running out before the new Premier League season, there could yet be a twist or two in this transfer window.

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Ruben Amorim met with the press pack at the end of the Premier League's US Summer Series for a wide-ranging discussion encompassing his tenure so far, how things are progressing ahead of the new season, his relationship with the owner, and more.

United actually won the Summer Series trophy but their faces didn't seem to know after a slightly underwhelming performance against Everton. Captain Bruno Fernandes spoke out after the game, asking for reinforcements to provide competition and combat laziness.

Will Benjamin Sesko be just that? The situation is no clearer than it was a few days ago with Newcastle bidding for the player but no tangible move yet from the hierarchy at Old Trafford.

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Manchester United's pursuit of a centre forward, to complete a brand new front three, stepped up a notch this week with the news that Benjamin Sesko is their prime target. We mull over what might have triggered that acceleration, whether his form stacks up, and how they might be able to afford him at his 2025 price.

Over in Chicago, the lads are cuddled up in the Felix Hotel business suite having savoured the sights and sounds of the Windy City. Ruben Amorim's squad are also enjoying America with another good pre-season showing and Bryan Mbeumo getting closer to some action for Manchester. Even Rasmus Hojlund seems energised and unworried about incoming transfers.

It's all a far cry from the aftermath of Bilbao, the end of a season that everyone knew couldn't be allowed to happen again. Luke Shaw let his hot temper out on a hot mic that night but while he doesn't regret his words, he's much happier about things now and feels ready to get back to his best.

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A victory over West Ham in the first game of the US tour, and a very encouraging performance from Amorim's developing squad. We were impressed by the interplay and structure, the partnerships showing promise, and the warm familiarity of Bruno bagging a brace.

Having played 70 minutes in New Jersey's Metlife Stadium, we're now wondering how close that starting eleven will be to the one that faces Arsenal on the opening day of the Premier League season... Might the bomb squad return to the fold? Amorim says they could, but do we really believe that?

Bryan Mbeumo is getting up to speed, so he could feature soon, but Diego Cunha looks nailed on for the left-side ten role and we have the most spectacular name to drop in our research on the lively, talented Brazilian.

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It's time for the pre-season tour and we're delighted that Andy and Laurie will both be in attendance; as will Manchester United's newest signing, Bryan Mbeumo! It wasn't quite on the B of the bang but United got their man in the end and he will be able to acclimatise with his new teammates in the USA.

Marcus Rashford won't be there. He is the first member of "the bomb squad' to agree a deal to leave the club, and it's his dream destination. But beware; settling in Barcelona has proven tricky for some great footballers, so how can he make the loan a successful one?

We also pick out a few clues from the game against Leeds in Sweden and consider whether there can be any more incoming transfers before another significant departure.

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Pre-season is here which can only mean one thing... injury disruption. Yes, ahead of the first game (against Leeds in Solna) the news broke that Andre Onana has suffered a hamstring strain. But will he be back in time for the Arsenal game, and what does it mean for the 'keeping department?

The podcast team have been putting their last football-free weekend to good use, but what (and who) are they most looking forward to seeing now that it has returned. How will this pre-season measure up to some of the more enjoyable, and interesting, in years gone by.

There may be some clues in the shirt numbers on show. How much does it matter what number each player gets, when might it become a problem, and who have been the biggest sellers in the club shop?

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