Before taking his seat at Wembley, Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed the London Marathon and compared the race, to the job he has to do at Old Trafford.
Seeing his boyhood side reach a second successive FA Cup Final was only have the story though as Erik Ten Hag's side almost squandered a 3-0 lead to be dumped out by Coventry City.
So will success in the FA Cup show enough progress for Ten Hag to remain in position, or do United's problems run deeper than just their manager?
Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Carl Anka and Mark Critchley who were both at Wembley to discuss.
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Carl Anka and Mark Critchley
Producer: Guy Clarke
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Related articles
Manchester United’s semi-final win was no turning point for Ten Hag – it was a tipping point - The Athletic
If Manchester United move on from Ten Hag, who does the data say they should target? - The Athletic
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Why Man United's Wembley embarrassment runs deep

The Athletic's flagship football podcast, hosted by Ayo Akinwolere and featuring the likes of David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Matt Slater will take you inside the biggest stories from the world of football, told by the best journalists in the business. Cutting through the noise to tell you what’s really happening and why it matters.

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It’s matchday 36 in the Premier League and the title race is once again the main focus. Arsenal host Bournemouth while Man City go up against Wolves.

Elsewhere, in the relegation battle, it’s Luton vs Everton, Burnley vs Newcastle and Sheffield United vs Nottingham Forest.

Host: Adam Leventhal
With: Tim Spiers, Andy Jones and Jordan Campbell
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
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Will Arsenal or City slip up in the title race?

So on Monday Premier League clubs opted to push on with plans for a hard spending limit — a de facto salary cap tied to the income of the lowest earning side in the top flight.
Why do some clubs want more financial regulation? Who is pushing back against it? And could this end up with legal action?
The Athletic's senior football news reporter Matt Slater joins Ayo Akinwolere to explain the concept of 'anchoring' as well as answering questions submitted by subscribers to The Athletic over the Premier League's proposed new spending controls.
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Matt Slater
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Producer: Guy Clarke
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New Premier League financial rules explained

Back in January, Xavi announced he would be stepping down as Barcelona boss at the end of the season, citing the role as a “cruel job” that “wears you down”.

But last week, he and Barca changed their minds - yet another twist in a rollercoaster season for the Catalans.

So, why did Barca perform a dramatic U-turn on Xavi’s future? 

How strong is his position now?

And can Xavi be backed in this summer’s transfer market to the level he now expects? 

Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Pol Ballús and Tomás Hill López-Menchero
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
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Inside Xavi's bizarre Barcelona U-turn

Mohamed Salah’s heated exchange with Jurgen Klopp last weekend left many questioning whether the forward would join his manager in leaving Liverpool this summer.

Then as The Athletic revealed on Monday, Liverpool expect Salah to stay this summer and are planning on him being part of their squad for next season.

So, with his future back on the agenda, what are Liverpool’s options with or without their iconic forward?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: David Ornstein and James Pearce
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
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Salah set to stay at Liverpool - but for how long?

Arsenal were too much for Tottenham in yesterday’s North London derby, running out 3-2 winners at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
After the games, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou said his team needs to deal with the “details” to be contenders.
So what exactly are the fine margins they are missing? 
And will it be enough to get to the next step and challenge next season?
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Jack Pitt-Brooke and Seb Stafford-Bloor
Producer: Guy Clarke
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
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Why Man United's Wembley embarrassment runs deep

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