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

Every Manchester United loss, and there have been a few. in the last 12 months has prompted some sort of inquest or soul-searching... until now.

United were certainly the better team in the first half at Villa Park, maybe the second as well, but they allowed two moments of quality from the Premier League's most in-form player to decide the game in Aston Villa's favour.

Of more concern than losing to a third-placed team on a hot streak is the absentee list; Kobbie Mainoo was ruled out before the game and the ever-present Bruno Fernandes felt his hamstring just before half-time. Lisandro Martinez replaced him in central midfield, cue some Carl-ribbing, but the captain is a huge loss with Newcastle coming to Old Trafford on Boxing Day.

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Bruno Fernandes' interview with Portuguese TV's Canal 11 (run by the national football federation) caused some consternation at Manchester United this week. How dramatic were his claims, translation and context allowing, and is it time to consider a life without Bruno?

He'll be as important as he's ever been over the next few weeks with Amad and Mbeumo's goal threat heading to AFCON. Their departure wasn't as tricky as that of Noussair Mazraoui, but all three will be a big miss for a team that is consistently inconsistent, especially when it comes to holding onto a lead.

Villa Park will be the venue for United's next big test; they are very good... or are they, Mark Critchley? Either way, it should be a feisty encounter... although probably not quite as feisty as that of United's women when they face Atletico Madrid in the UWCL play-off round (note: the draw took place after this conversation was recorded).

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Wowsers... what a thrill ride... what a rollercoaster! Do you like rollercoasters? Sure you do.

Ruben Amorim's Manchester United put in one of the best attacking performances since he took charge of the team. The passing and movement of players throughout the team caused real problems for Bournemouth as Mbeumo, Cunha, and of course, Bruno, put them to the sword.

Unfortunately, the formation/system/shape change that nobody had seen coming (bar half our podcast team) had a problematic effect at the other end. Antoine Semenyo got a direct route to goal for the Cherries' (first) equaliser and there were holes in the centre of defence as they levelled again (twice).

But, this was exciting and fun. Cunha's goal, which looked like a winner at the time, could've been the touchpaper for real optimism. It certainly felt like how Manchester United should feel.

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Kobbie Mainoo, whether or not he should be allowed to leave the club, and how to accommodate his talents into a system that doesn't seem naturally suited to them. It is a debate that has come to represent more than just the future of one capable young footballer. Where do we stand now, what is likely to happen next, and how do we feel about it?

The next generation of Manchester United's academy moved safely through to the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup. At just 15, JJ Gabriel scored the goal in a 1-0 win over Peterborough at Old Trafford. The youngest ever representative of the club in this competition, he has already trained with the first team and possesses plenty of talent. Will he be able to emulate the career of his idol, Neymar? (spoiler alert; we've no idea).

Next up in the Premier League, in another Monday night fixture, the dreaded Bournemouth will be the visitors. Let's hope Amorim's team are able to provide more festive cheer than in the previous two December meetings.

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A win at Wolves, a convincing win. OK, it wasn't entirely trouble-free, but United scored four and put the game to bed comfortably in the second half; they are now sixth in the Premier League, a point behind Crystal Palace in fourth and separated from a potential Champions League-qualifying fifth place by goal difference.

Mason Mount, if he can be described this way, was the star of the show. Scoring at a crucial time and just generally being efficient and effective, Mount appears to be working his way into the first-choice XI; Bruno Fernandes, who assisted Mount's goal, also featured strongly, almost summing up his career at the club.

However, it's still a fragile confidence after disappointing performances against Everton and West Ham and with AFCON just around the corner. A tough FA Cup draw hasn't necessarily boosted that confidence, and we're also sad to see Jonny Evans unexpectedly leave the club.

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West Ham haven't won away from home since beating their now-manager Nuno Espirito Santo's Nottingham Forest at the end of August, so this looked like a game where Manchester United could capitalise on an encouraging second half at Selhurst Park, get a win and climb the Premier League table.

In fact, despite a 'turgid' start, that was how it was proceeding when Diogo Dalot controlled a bobbling ball and slotted home for his first Manchester United goal at Old Trafford, a first of any kind in eighteen months.

However, familiar flaws emerged and when young french midfielder Soungoutou Magassa reacted quickest to Mazraoui's goalline clearance it never felt like United could find a second goal to take all three points. Ruben Amorim's substitutions will be viewed in this light, however they were seen at the time.

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Well, isn't this nice... Manchester United win away, in South London, and you can take the first bite out of your advent calendar while you listen to four happy podcasters praise the performances of Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount and, yes, Joshua Zirkzee.

It was a remarkable turnaround at Selhurst Park, very much not a happy hunting ground for United in recent years. But, whether it was because of Palace's post-Europe legs, a bit of luck, or just a bit more intensity and clicking into gear, we are accepting our first Christmas present with no complaints about the shape or size of the box.

Altogether now... "One more time..."

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The Everton result has sparked a new wave of soul-searching, but is it fair to feel so dispirited by one result against a competent Premier League team. Or, are we still not being harsh enough to an underperforming manager? Doubtless, you have a fairly strong opinion one way or the other.

We decided to try and raise a bit of a laugh with a hastily devised parlour game; a series of United "would you rather?"s. It raised more questions than it answered.

Onto Palace, then. Selhurst Park isn't a traditionally scary place for Manchester United, but then Crystal Palace aren't traditionally this good. Let's hope THEIR European tie leaves them leggy. Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim (and Mark Critchley) have some selection decisions to make.

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A second November Q&A for you lucky devils. OK, the mood isn't great after Everton but a few juicy January transfer morsels might perk us up. Should we be worried that transfers are the main source of optimism, though?

What about a fantasy dinner party with three United players? It could be magical, as long as they don't start fighting amongst themselves...

Also under discussion; the shortage of opportunities for youth players, a new scouting appointment, stadium hopes, and goals that stick with us.

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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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