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

It's a strange time for Manchester United and it's confusing the mood of our podcasters, so much so that Laurie seems to want to get Andy talking about trains...

We're so excited about Matheus Cunha that we are comparing him to both Cantona and Messi, but we're also nervous about his recent tendency to fly off the handle. The Athletic's Steve Madeley provides expert insight.

Meanwhile, we're very energised by the prospect of a Europa League semi-final against Athletic Club, but we are deeply concerned about the ability of that same squad to get a result at Bournemouth.

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After the Lord Mayor's show. Manchester United returned to earth with a bump on Sunday as in-form Wolves won at Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim blooded Tyler Fredicson; he and Harry Amass acquitted themselves well, but it was another tough afternoon for Rasmus Hojlund.

Still, we'll always have Thursday night. To cheer ourselves up, we went back through the email inbox for more memories of that remarkable comeback against Lyon.

Send us your favourite MUFC European away days: [email protected] (put EXTRA in the subject line).

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The short version is that Ruben Amorim's Manchester United beat Lyon to progress to the Europa League semi-finals, where they will face Athletic Club. The long version... wow!

Cruising at 2-0 after an hour, the team suffered not one but two implosions; the first to take the game to extra time, then another to find themselves four-two down against ten men.

Strikerless, subs used, needing a miracle; Amorim got three. Casemiro won a penalty, converted by his captain (the 5,000th Utd goal at Old Trafford), and the Brazilian then laid on goals for makeshift strikers Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire, leaving the stadium, and fans watching on TV around the world, in equal measures of disbelief and rapture.

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As we anticipate a crucial second leg against Lyon at Old Trafford on Thursday night, with Europa League progress (and the team's season) on the line, we look back at some of the Theatre of Dreams' greatest European hits.

From the pioneering efforts of Sir Matt Busby, touched by tragedy, through Fergie's agony and ecstasy, to Ten Hag's beating of Barca, it's a rich history packed with thrills, hilarity, and frustration.

It's not just Manchester United, either, some of the game's greats have graced the Manchester turf. Join us for a whistle-stop tour of the best... no, the best of the best, moments.

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A chastening 4-1 defeat away at Newcastle is not a result that anyone at Manchester United would want to consider acceptable, nor do they. But, perhaps there are more important things to worry about right now... as Andre Onana may testify.

In fact, there were one or two little glimpses of positivity: Garnacho's excellent finish and the move that led to his equaliser, as well as Harry Amass's performance on Premier League debut.

However, Joshua Zirkzee might not want to face Newcastle again in a hurry; his hamstring injury counts as a blow as Ruben Amorim's main objective, progress in the Europa League, looms large.

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After Joshua Zirkzee nodded home from a magnificent lifted pass by Bruno, giving Manchester United the lead in Lyon with moments left, we began putting together a triumphant podcast.

Unfortunately, there was still time in the Europa League quarter final first leg for Andre Onana to concede; all this coming after a war of words with Nemanja Matic and a bad first-half error to gift Thiago Almada the opening goal.

Judging by Ruben Amorim's comments, there's a non-zero chance Altay Bayindir will start the game at Newcastle. More importantly, there's a pretty good chance Manchester United will progress to the Europa League semi-final stage.

For more information about Talk of the Devils on tour: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6235043/2025/03/31/talk-of-the-devils-2025-tour-dates-uk-ireland/ (no subscription required)

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United and City played out a dull 0-0 draw at Old Trafford, with both sides lacking cutting edge. City, without the injured Haaland, couldn’t break down a well-organised defence. United will be happy to finish with a clean sheet, having conceded 17 in their nine previous league matches at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim.

Garnacho was United’s main outlet but wasteful and a decent Zirkzee effort was well saved by Ederson. De Bruyne — set to leave City this summer — couldn’t provide a spark in a flat game.

City stay fifth in the table, United sit 13th, and both teams will just be glad not to have lost.

Also on the show, we preview the upcoming Europa League clash against Lyon with the help of Julien Laurens. Can United keep their season alive?

TotD Tour dates and ticket info: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6235043/2025/03/31/talk-of-the-devils-2025-tour-dates-uk-ireland/

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Nottingham Forest pulled off a league double against Manchester United for the first time since they were managed by Brian Clough, and it was United academy product Anthony Elanga who got the early goal.

Nuno's subsequent tactical switch and United's inability to break it down was as predictable as it was frustrating. Alejandro Garnacho showed his annoyance after several shots went astray, but a lack of goals from the whole team is becoming a big problem.

Despite that, there's confidence for the derby at Old Trafford with City still not themselves and Erling Haaland ruled out. Sadly, that will be the last derby of the season after the U18s lost to Aston Villa on penalties in the FA Youth Cup semi-final.

TotD Tour dates and ticket info: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6235043/2025/03/31/talk-of-the-devils-2025-tour-dates-uk-ireland/

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A provocative title? Perhaps; in one sense, of course United (13th in the PL) are underdogs away at (3rd placed) Forest. But, perhaps it's not that straight-forward...

United's results were much improved in March, bringing a player of the month nomination for Bruno Fernandes and a manager of the month nod for Ruben Amorim. Meanwhile, Forest might be without Chris Wood, and maybe there's a distortion in media coverage of player form.

Prompted, in part, by comments from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Laurie has been looking at player contracts to try and get a firmer grasp on the overall budget and how it might affect transfer business in the future.

TotD Tour dates and ticket info: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6235043/2025/03/31/talk-of-the-devils-2025-tour-dates-uk-ireland/

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No getting away from it, it's a long one today, but we think it's worth it... Join Ian, Laurie, and Andy as we venture inside Carrington to speak to some of the key figures managing player development in Manchester United's Academy.

We'll hear from Academy Director Nick Cox, Academy Coach Colin Little, and U18s Head Coach Adam Lawrence at a very exciting time...

On Monday, the U18s will face Aston Villa in an FA Youth Cup semi-final at Villa Park. Not only is a place in the final on the line, but it could be a Manchester derby at Old Trafford!

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TotD Tour dates and ticket info: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6235043/2025/03/31/talk-of-the-devils-2025-tour-dates-uk-ireland/

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