It's difficult to believe it now, but there was a healthy degree of confidence going into the latest edition of the Manchester derby. Yes, Ruben Amorim's United are still a work-in-progress, but they are slowly improving, and City are going through the mill a bit as well, right?That's not how it turned out at all. Despite a half-decent first fifteen minutes and a brief flicker after half-time, Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and the rest of City's attackers "feasted" as United faltered in the key moments. It was a sobering, numbing experience for everyone in red, one that has us "spiralling".It was a bad day for the fans and the players, but it felt especially difficult for Amorim. He faced questions, again, about his dedication to a formation that doesn't seem to play to the strengths of his players. He himself, as he often does, raised the idea that his future at the club might be in doubt. Tongue in cheek, perhaps… but when do the serious questions come? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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49:13
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49:13
Manchester derby preview: can United build momentum?
It's the first Manchester derby of the new season and, coming quite early in proceedings, there are lots of interesting question marks hanging over both teams.Firstly, there's the issue of form and fitness: there was relatively little action on the international front for the two squads but there are a couple of fresh injury concerns.Then, there's the tactical battle. Ruben Amorim has fared well against Pep Guardiola so far in his managerial career; his Manchester United first team is still a "work in progress". but there are reasons to be optimistic about the match-up this time as well.And, of course, there's the question of goalkeepers. Both sides signed a new 'keeper late in the transfer window, so there could potentially be debutants lining up behind either defence. Will Amorim stick with Bayindir or throw Lammens in at the deepest of deep ends, and has Donnarumma had enough training time to do himself justice?Tickets for Talk of the Devils LIVE:Belfast (The Limelight) – October 12, 2025: Click here to buy ticketsDublin (Vicar Street) – October 13, 2025: Click here to buy ticketsCork (Opera House) – October 14, 2025: Click here to buy ticketsManchester (New Century Hall) – November 10, 2025: SOLD OUTLondon (Soho Theatre, Walthamstow) – November 11, 2025: Click here to buy tickets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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51:56
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51:56
Why are Man United letting Onana leave?
Andre Onana has joined Turkish side Trabzonspor on loan in a shock post-UK-transfer-deadline move. Broadcaster Engin Kehale tells us about the Super Lig's goalkeeping carousel, but does that mean he has played his last game for Manchester United?It sounds like good news for Senne Lammens. The young Belgian has had to be patient to get his chance at domestic level in his home country but things have suddenly moved very quickly for him. We get the inside track on his progress from local journalist Axel Brisart.United's women's team hit the ground runnning exactly as planned in WSL and, with news of another (more cryptic) carousel, we look at the activities, or lack of, from United's players on international duty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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44:39
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44:39
Transfer mailbag & WSL preview
The Premier League is taking a break for international fixtures so it's a chance for us to take stock. High on the agenda, of course, how Manchester United's new signings will fare now that we know the make-up of the squad until January, at least.Most pressingly, there are concerns about options in midfield. Louis Saha thinks that area could affect the whole team, not least Benjamin Sesko as he takes on the tough task of filling the centre forward position at a tender age. Might there be a midfield solution from within the squad?Two midfielders, England Lionesses no less, have swapped sides of the Manchester divide. Is it a sign of progress that MUWFC haven't lost another player without a fee, or is it poor squad management? Charlotte Harpur joins us to consider the two sides of that argument, "plane-gate", Brann, and the WSL season.Talk of the Devils LIVE:Belfast (The Limelight) – October 12, 2025: Click here to buy ticketsDublin (Vicar Street) – October 13, 2025: Click here to buy ticketsCork (Opera House) – October 14, 2025: Click here to buy ticketsManchester (New Century Hall) – November 10, 2025: SOLD OUTLondon (Soho Theatre, Walthamstow) – November 11, 2025: Click here to buy tickets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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55:36
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55:36
Inside United's transfer window
Manchester United bought a goalkeeper on transfer deadline day and it was the young Belgian Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp. The transfer went through despite late whispers of a switch to Emi Martinez and Aston Villa's Argentinian was left hanging on the phone.With sales required, the club were able to move all but Tyrell Malacia from Ruben Amorim's "bomb squad" and we are all left with a satisfactory impression of the business achieved across the window; even Rasmus Hojlund's move can be viewed in a positive light for both club and player.That's not to say it couldn't have been better, though. There is still a bit more than a nagging feeling about the options available in midfield and it's going to take time to evolve the team and the squad to a fully rounded one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
About Talk of the Devils: The Athletic FC's Manchester United show
Host Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell, Carl Anka and Andy Mitten on the world's biggest Manchester United podcast. Subscribe for expert insight from inside the club, breaking news and two episodes every week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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