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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.