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

It doesn't matter who called it first: Aston Villa came to Old Trafford and left with nothing, Michael Carrick maintains his 100% record at home, and United put clear air between themselves and the other contenders for top three in the Premier League.
Bruno put in another inspirational display and assisted two of the three goals; he took the corner that allowed Casemiro to break the deadlock with a trademark header and provided a sumptuous pass for Matheus Cunha to restore the lead after Villa's equaliser. David Beckham's single-season record for United assists is gone; surely the Premier League's overall tally is to follow. We restate the case for him to win player of the season.
Unfortunately for Marc Skinner and co, the women were unable to break their Chelsea hoodoo, defeated two-nil in the league cup final, so it's Champions League or bust for them.

Click here to ease Andy's pain with a subscription to United We Stand.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Champions League, is it the be-all-and-end-all of club football? With Manchester United's financial results getting a deep analysis from The Athletic's Chris Weatherspoon and cashflow problems coming into real focus, it has never seemed more important.
Aston Villa are another club for whom chasing the glory and riches of the Champions League has been a huge part of the narrative. They will play Lille in the Europa League, in fact, before they make the trip to Old Trafford for what could prove a crucial head-to-head in the race for Europe's premier competition.
It's also a huge weekend for Manchester United's women; aiming for their second major trophy and to join an elite group of women's league cup champions, they will need to defy a woeful record against their bogey team, Chelsea.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Defeat at Newcastle ended Michael Carrick's superb unbeaten run since taking interim charge of first team affairs at Manchester United. Does this actually give us an opportunity to build a more accurate picture of his work since taking over? Our first dive into summer business asks the question; is Carrick headed for the job on a permanent basis?
We'll look at the football, of course, where most people will be giving him high marks. He has also dealt with the media in a typically straightforward manner; is there more to come on that front, should he be more bullish at times?
Ticket prices are in the news again with the club, and others across the Premier League, announcing rises for next season. It's a subject which provokes strong reactions, and there are lots of finer details to consider as well. We also look briefly at the two new appointments in the academy.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The honeymoon is over... what about the future of the relationship? Michael Carrick's unbeaten run as Manchester United manager, which has lit a fire under the pursuit of Champions League football this season, is over.
In truth, it was a poor performance; the team had laboured even during a largely uneventful opening forty minutes. Of course, the level of incident changed dramatically at the end of the first half but, going in level at the break with Newcastle reduced to ten men, a victory seemed the more likely outcome.
We break down the reasons why that didn't happen, what it means for the rest of the season, and the perception of squad depth... or lack of it. As always, we're trying our best to maintain perspective in the face of another frustrating midweek result.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another week, another win. Crystal Palace started brightly at Old Trafford and centre half Maxence Lacroix gave the visitors the lead in a stodgy first half-hour. But, Michael Carrick has the midas touch right now; he identified the tactical tweaks needed and Big Ben Sesko scored yet another crucial goal.
It was Bruno Fernandes' pass to Matheus Cunha which allowed the Brazilian to slip past Lacroix and the captain also scored the resulting penalty to get United level. His form was good this season under Amorim, in an unfamiliar position, and he's been incredible since Michael Carrick stepped in. Is Bruno F a decent bet for player of the season?
A quick turnaround with a midweek Premier League schedule and Manchester United play Newcastle under the lights on Wednesday night. Eddie Howe's team have been struggling badly in the league of late; could it be a first win at St James's Park since 2020?
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.