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

Laurie Whitwell (and his cat, Ron) makes a podcast comeback with Ian Irving and Andy Mitten (and his dog).

Manchester United beat Leeds at the second time of asking with another goal from Marcus Rashford and one from the recently-criticised Alejandro Garnacho. It wasn't vintage football but it's a huge result, especially with so many rivals dropping points this weekend.

As we speak the team, and the fans, are Barcelona-bound for the the first leg of the UEFA Europa League Play-off. It's not the competition you'd expect, or want, to see that fixture in but it's a much higher quality contest than either side might have expected at the start of the season. We've got the juice on the ins and outs of that game, and the host city.

Produced by Ollie Bellwood.

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Ian Irving, Andy Mitten, and Carl Anka assemble under the eaves at Old Trafford with The Athletic's new boy Mark Critchley.

It was a disappointing result, certainly, as visitors Leeds United caught Ten Hag's men cold, not once but twice! However, there was a warm glow in the air (and on Andy's face) after Marcus Rashford and the returning Jadon Sancho scored to salvage a draw.

On that evidence, the trip to Elland Road will prove a tough test, but we're hoping one or two of the seven first team players who missed tonight's game will be available.

Produced by Ollie Bellwood.

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Ian Irving is joined by Carl Anka and Andy Mitten with live breaking news as we preview Wednesday night's game against Roses rivals Leeds United.

Of course, on Saturday Marcus Rashford scored again as Manchester United beat Crystal Palace at Old Trafford; but, the result was overshadowed (slightly) by Casemiro's red card.

Produced by Ollie Bellwood.

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No apologies; Ian Irving, Andy Mitten, and Carl Anka are excited about Manchester United going to Wembley for the Carabao Cup final after Erik Ten Hag named a strong line-up for the semi-final, 2nd leg, and Forest proved no match at Old Trafford.

And, with Christian Eriksen ruled out for several weeks through injury, we take a look at the deadline day loan move for Bayern Munich's Austrian midfielder Marcel Sabitzer. We said there was a chance!

Produced by Ollie Bellwood

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Ian Irving, Andy Mitten, and Carl Anka review another comfortable home win, this time the FA Cup clash with Paul Ince's Reading. Casemiro was the main man once again, even scoring twice, and he's loving life in England.

Everything's evolving nicely under Erik Ten Hag, and Carl's taken a close look at their development for The Athletic, but with Christian Eriksen facing some time out, how much will they miss him during a hectic February?

Produced by Ollie Bellwood.

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Ian Irving, Andy Mitten, and Carl Anka are in good spirits (in one case, quite literally) and we've added a musical twist to the show as we celebrate taking control of the EFL Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

Taking a three goal lead into the home leg means Erik Ten Hag should be able to rotate his squad over the next few days. The optimism is flowing, so much so that we're not too downbeat about a slightly ominous financial report on Manchester United from The Athletic's Matt Slater.

Produced by Ollie Bellwood.

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Andy Mitten and Laurie Whitwell join Ian Irving for a jam-packed Monday edition, sore from a rousing but ultimately fruitless trip to North London.

Still, there's a Carabo Cup semi-final to look forward to... and, after changes to the Stretford End were announced, there's another Old Trafford date for our WSL table-toppers.

Produced by Ollie Bellwood

***

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Ian Irving, Andy Mitten, Carl Anka, and Laurie Whitwell were on cloud nine after the Manchester derby but it's down to Earth with a bump as United cost themselves two Premier League points with sloppiness at Selhurst Park.

Casemiro has become a vital presence in midfield, so much so that Erik Ten Hag chose to start with him on Wednesday night, and it proved costly. A yellow card means he will miss the trip to the Emirates to face league leaders Arsenal; perhaps we could do with another brilliant Brazilian!

Also in focus; Weghorst's adequate debut, Aaron Wan-Bissaka's remarkable turnaround in form, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe announcing his intention to make a bid for the club.

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The podcast team were all in attendance, and a little giddy, as Manchester United fought back from a goal down to claim victory over City and move to within a point of Guardiola's men in the Premier League table.

After a first half masterclass from Erik Ten Hag, with some bold team selections allied to a canny strategy, Jack Grealish gave City the lead. But, United showed resilience and guts to equalise through Fernandes and Marcus Rashford took his Old Trafford scoring run into the record books to seal a famous win.

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Ian Irving, Andy Mitten, and Laurie Whitwell discuss the Carabao Cup quarter final win over Charlton, Manchester City's shock exit at Southampton, and the form of the two sides going into Saturday's derby.

And, as progress with the loan deal for Dutch striker Wout Weghorst picks up speed, The Athletic's analysis of United's recruitment system is proving a popular read. Laurie fills us in on the background to that article.

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