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

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 Bellwood

Exec Producer: Adey Moorhead

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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 Bellwood

Exec Producer: Adey Moorhead

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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 Bellwood

Exec Producer: Adey Moorhead

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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 Bellwood

Exec Producer: Adey Moorhead

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It is sixty six years since the Munich Air Disaster and the death of Sir Bobby Charlton in October means all survivors of the crash have now passed away. Yet, in recent years attendance at services in Munich and at Old Trafford have grown. We discuss the crash's legacy, Daniel Taylor's articles on The Athletic, and how the anniversary is observed.

Robin van Persie returned to Carrington this week to fulfil a requirement of his UEFA Pro License with the Dutch FA. Yet, rumours of an "Arsenal snub" are exactly that, if not worse. We get into the clickbait industry that has been built on modern football's super-clubs.

Coming up next for Erik Ten Hag's team; a trip to Aston Villa. While recent performances have been encouraging, and quite a few fond memories at Villa Park, there's an air of concern with no margin for error in the Champions League race.

Producer: Ollie Bellwood

Exec Producer: Adey Moorhead

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Recorded post-match at Old Trafford: Ian Irving, Andy Mitten, and Carl Anka are revelling in the slightly unfamiliar feeling of a comfortable win at home. What's more, it came against a pretty good West Ham team and, by a three goal margin.

Birthday boy Rasmus Hojlund got the scoring underway with the only goal of a "pleasantly boring" first half, and Alejandro Garnacho notched twice in the second period with a cheeky nod to Mohammed Kudus... or was it Ronaldo?!

The only dark cloud on the day was Lisandro Martinez's knee injury; we're hoping it's not as serious as the player's reaction might suggest.

Producer: Ollie Bellwood

Exec Producer: Adey Moorhead

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Ian, Carl, Andy, and Laurie expected to be talking about Marcus Rashford, hoped to be talking about a Manchester United win, but had no clue about the rest.

In the end, the evening belonged to Kobbie Mainoo. The 18 year-old scored his first senior goal for the club, a wonderful run and finish, and it was the last-minute winner in a seven-goal thriller!

All this came after Rashford was chosen to start the game, scored five minutes in, and set Ten Hag's men on the way to a dominant first half that should have seen the game done and dusted long before the dramatic finale.

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It wasn't all about Marcus Rashford this weekend, but his absence (through 'illness') did provide a medium sized distraction as Erik Ten Hag prepared his squad for a trip to fourth-tier Newport County. What next for the 26 year-old forward who shone last year but can't consistently reach the heights his talent promises?

In the end, the return of some key figures saw the Red Devils through fairly comfortably; although there were a few palpitations when Bryn Morries and Will Evans levelled the scores at 2-2. We discuss Altay Bayindir's competitive debut and Antony's first goal of the season.

Bristol City or Nottingham Forest await in the fifth round but, next up, a Wednesday EVENING kick-off at Wolverhampton, which usually proves "attritional".

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We've got a full complement again as we dip briefly back into the Omar Berrada hire with The Athletic publishing fresh details on how the club got their man.

Anthony Martial has undergone groin surgery, which means he will be out for ten weeks. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, he may have played his last game in a spell that leaves us asking what could have been.

Manchester United have a game of football this weekend and everyone at Newport County is excited to be hosting the first ever competitive fixture between the two clubs, not least their manager Graham Coughlan, a huge United fan.

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Ian, Carl, Laurie & Andy discuss the huge story broken exclusively by The Athletic’s David Ornstein that Omar Berrada will move from Manchester City to become Manchester United’s new CEO..

Plus there is time to answer a selection of questions from listeners across a range of topics including the summer transfer window and the United player you'd love to have seen play.

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