Manchester United Podcast by Stretford Paddock

Manchester United's terrible run of form in the Premier League continued at Brentford as a VERY youthful side lost 4-3. Alejandro Garnacho had a good day, as did Mason Mount, but it's all a bit 'Groundhog Day' and we're not too perturbed by the result. We will, however, be disconsolate if Amorim's men are not able to defend their three goal lead going into the second leg of the Europa League semi-final against Athletic Club. Champions League football is the prize, of course. Manchester United's women achieved that with a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford against their City rivals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Harry Maguire, we have now established, can do anything he wishes. From ball-winning centre-half, to aerial target man, to tricksy winger... After a nervy first twenty minutes in Bilbao, Maguire (wide on the right) turned, turned again, and delivered the cross which Casemiro eventually headed home. Then came the Bruno show. A nerveless penalty, won by Rasmus Hojlund, before bursting through to add a third first-half goal, the skipper's stats are astonishing. More importantly, Manchester United are on the brink of a Europa League final. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ruben Amorim's Manchester United team head to Bilbao on Thursday night for the first leg of a Europa League semi-final that will define this season, but what are United's greatest European away days? From the early days of Best and Busby, touched of course by the Munich air disaster, through the lean years, the Fergie era, and one or two modern classics, there are many great performances to choose from. When it comes to Europe, though, it's not just about the football. Exploring beautiful cities, different cultures, missed connections, and the occasional drink, there's so much more to relive than Roy Keane just doing his job in Turin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rasmus Hojlund remained on the pitch for the entire game at Bournemouth which meant he was able to scramble home United's latest ever equaliser. We talk momentum and social media off the back of a familiar-ish team display at the Vitality Stadium. Next up, of course, it's the most important game of the season, away at Athletic Club. Andy's man in the Basque country gives us the inside track on an opposition full of confidence but maybe looking a bit leggy. And, it's another Whitwell scoop with details on the latest staffing cuts at the club. Not entirely unexpected, but interesting timing and it looks like significant changes to scouting/recruitment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a strange time for Manchester United and it's confusing the mood of our podcasters, so much so that Laurie seems to want to get Andy talking about trains... We're so excited about Matheus Cunha that we are comparing him to both Cantona and Messi, but we're also nervous about his recent tendency to fly off the handle. The Athletic's Steve Madeley provides expert insight. Meanwhile, we're very energised by the prospect of a Europa League semi-final against Athletic Club, but we are deeply concerned about the ability of that same squad to get a result at Bournemouth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After the Lord Mayor's show. Manchester United returned to earth with a bump on Sunday as in-form Wolves won at Old Trafford. Ruben Amorim blooded Tyler Fredicson; he and Harry Amass acquitted themselves well, but it was another tough afternoon for Rasmus Hojlund. Still, we'll always have Thursday night. To cheer ourselves up, we went back through the email inbox for more memories of that remarkable comeback against Lyon. Send us your favourite MUFC European away days: [email protected] (put EXTRA in the subject line). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The short version is that Ruben Amorim's Manchester United beat Lyon to progress to the Europa League semi-finals, where they will face Athletic Club. The long version... wow! Cruising at 2-0 after an hour, the team suffered not one but two implosions; the first to take the game to extra time, then another to find themselves four-two down against ten men. Strikerless, subs used, needing a miracle; Amorim got three. Casemiro won a penalty, converted by his captain (the 5,000th Utd goal at Old Trafford), and the Brazilian then laid on goals for makeshift strikers Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire, leaving the stadium, and fans watching on TV around the world, in equal measures of disbelief and rapture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we anticipate a crucial second leg against Lyon at Old Trafford on Thursday night, with Europa League progress (and the team's season) on the line, we look back at some of the Theatre of Dreams' greatest European hits. From the pioneering efforts of Sir Matt Busby, touched by tragedy, through Fergie's agony and ecstasy, to Ten Hag's beating of Barca, it's a rich history packed with thrills, hilarity, and frustration. It's not just Manchester United, either, some of the game's greats have graced the Manchester turf. Join us for a whistle-stop tour of the best... no, the best of the best, moments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A chastening 4-1 defeat away at Newcastle is not a result that anyone at Manchester United would want to consider acceptable, nor do they. But, perhaps there are more important things to worry about right now... as Andre Onana may testify. In fact, there were one or two little glimpses of positivity: Garnacho's excellent finish and the move that led to his equaliser, as well as Harry Amass's performance on Premier League debut. However, Joshua Zirkzee might not want to face Newcastle again in a hurry; his hamstring injury counts as a blow as Ruben Amorim's main objective, progress in the Europa League, looms large. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Joshua Zirkzee nodded home from a magnificent lifted pass by Bruno, giving Manchester United the lead in Lyon with moments left, we began putting together a triumphant podcast. Unfortunately, there was still time in the Europa League quarter final first leg for Andre Onana to concede; all this coming after a war of words with Nemanja Matic and a bad first-half error to gift Thiago Almada the opening goal. Judging by Ruben Amorim's comments, there's a non-zero chance Altay Bayindir will start the game at Newcastle. More importantly, there's a pretty good chance Manchester United will progress to the Europa League semi-final stage. For more information about Talk of the Devils on tour: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6235043/2025/03/31/talk-of-the-devils-2025-tour-dates-uk-ireland/ (no subscription required) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

United and City played out a dull 0-0 draw at Old Trafford, with both sides lacking cutting edge. City, without the injured Haaland, couldn’t break down a well-organised defence. United will be happy to finish with a clean sheet, having conceded 17 in their nine previous league matches at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim. Garnacho was United’s main outlet but wasteful and a decent Zirkzee effort was well saved by Ederson. De Bruyne — set to leave City this summer — couldn’t provide a spark in a flat game. City stay fifth in the table, United sit 13th, and both teams will just be glad not to have lost. Also on the show, we preview the upcoming Europa League clash against Lyon with the help of Julien Laurens. Can United keep their season alive? TotD Tour dates and ticket info: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6235043/2025/03/31/talk-of-the-devils-2025-tour-dates-uk-ireland/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nottingham Forest pulled off a league double against Manchester United for the first time since they were managed by Brian Clough, and it was United academy product Anthony Elanga who got the early goal. Nuno's subsequent tactical switch and United's inability to break it down was as predictable as it was frustrating. Alejandro Garnacho showed his annoyance after several shots went astray, but a lack of goals from the whole team is becoming a big problem. Despite that, there's confidence for the derby at Old Trafford with City still not themselves and Erling Haaland ruled out. Sadly, that will be the last derby of the season after the U18s lost to Aston Villa on penalties in the FA Youth Cup semi-final. TotD Tour dates and ticket info: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6235043/2025/03/31/talk-of-the-devils-2025-tour-dates-uk-ireland/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A provocative title? Perhaps; in one sense, of course United (13th in the PL) are underdogs away at (3rd placed) Forest. But, perhaps it's not that straight-forward... United's results were much improved in March, bringing a player of the month nomination for Bruno Fernandes and a manager of the month nod for Ruben Amorim. Meanwhile, Forest might be without Chris Wood, and maybe there's a distortion in media coverage of player form. Prompted, in part, by comments from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Laurie has been looking at player contracts to try and get a firmer grasp on the overall budget and how it might affect transfer business in the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No getting away from it, it's a long one today, but we think it's worth it... Join Ian, Laurie, and Andy as we venture inside Carrington to speak to some of the key figures managing player development in Manchester United's Academy. We'll hear from Academy Director Nick Cox, Academy Coach Colin Little, and U18s Head Coach Adam Lawrence at a very exciting time... On Monday, the U18s will face Aston Villa in an FA Youth Cup semi-final at Villa Park. Not only is a place in the final on the line, but it could be a Manchester derby at Old Trafford! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been an 'interesting' time for Manchester United Women in the last two years or so. Big names have left, crowd numbers wobbling, yet the team's performance is impressively robust. Uncertainty remains, though, with Marc Skinner's future unclear, an interim boss, and significant question marks about Sir Jim Ratcliffe's enthusiasm for the project. Charlotte Harpur joins Ian, Carl, and Andy, to look at their pursuit of Champions League football, derby day success, and another FA Cup win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No game to report on with the international break underway, so we asked you for a fresh batch of queries and concerns. Ticket price rises at Old Trafford is the issue of the week, so we dig a little deeper on that, and we think about famous father and son duos in United colours. There's also, of course, the shape of Ruben Amorim's team and how it might look after the summer window. Finally, is Bruno a club legend, what are the criteria, and do you have to have met Andy in Salford? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho were back on the scoresheet for Manchester United as Ruben Amorim's side made easy work of Leicester City. Managed by United legend and recent interim manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Leicester aren't the stiffest test in the Premier League right now, but there are real signs of progress after a difficult spell. Even the news of a ticket price rise was met with relatively good humour as it was less than some had feared. We discuss the ins and outs of that, the international break, and our recent live show at London's Leicester Square Theatre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He's done it again, Bruno Fernandes may not be an alpha captain but as a player he leads by example and steps up whenever he is needed; especially when that stepping up is to a penalty kick. Bruno holds quite a few Europa League records now, but in truth this was a team performance, one that will reassure Ruben Amorim that he can place his trust in some key players. Ruud van Nistelrooy's Leicester City are up next, and it's difficult to take pleasure in saying they should not provide much of an obstacle to United's momentum. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United's senior management, and members of the Old Trafford regeneration task force presented plans for a new 100-thousand capacity stadium on Tuesday at Sir Norman Foster's architectural practice in London. It's a bold design, and one that has drawn mixed reactions from fans and media. We look into the concept, the build strategy, and the persistent question of how this will all be funded. Sir Jim has been conducting several interviews with media outlets this week and he drew attention with some eyebrow-raising comments about the club's finances and one or two players. Is it just refreshing to have a (co) owner communicating with the public, or can we expect better? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pre-match protest organised by the 1958 Group was greater in numbers than most predictions and that energy only served to rev up the atmosphere at Old Trafford on Sunday teatime. Ruben Amorim's tactics were a slight compromise on one or two of his principles, but the deeper defence allowed United to contain and control Arsenal before Bruno Fernandes served up another set-piece special. A draw that felt almost like a win, then, and with "La Real" coming to Manchester on Thursday, we're hoping for more of the same in the biggest match of the season so far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joshua Zirkzee scored his first goal in European competition as Ruben Amorim's slimline squad earned a draw in San Sebastian, leaving their Europa League tie with Real Sociedad finely poised. It could easily have been a win with Manchester United growing into the game after half-time and squandering several good opportunities through profligate finishing and rash decision-making in attack. But, La Real equalised from the spot and looked much the stronger side at the finish. Might Amorim consider his options for Arsenal with the home leg hanging over that game? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment in Manchester United with INEOS has brought a welcome re-focusing on sporting achievement as opposed to commercial success. Project 150, encompassing Mission 21 and Mission 1, sets out a clear ambition to have the men's and women's teams winning their respective leagues by 2028, the club's 150th anniversary. Does this statement of intent, now public knowledge, help channel the attentions and efforts of the club's staff? And is there conflict with recent cost-cutting measures? Chief Executive Omar Berrada is undoubtedly one of the architects of this scheme and responsible for its execution but what about Sir Dave Brailsford, who has no clear job title at Manchester United, and Sir Jim himself? We attempt to get to the bottom of it all, and assess how likely the club are to achieve their objectives, with Ian, Andy, Laurie, and Athletic Senior Writer Oli Kay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With European qualification via the Premier League an outlandish prospect, Ruben Amorim's Manchester United had two hopes of making it back into continential competition. On Sunday, two became one. Another dispiriting, disappointing showing saw Fulham defy Bruno Fernandes second-half equaliser to progress to the quarter-finals via a penalty shoot-out. The Champions League may yet save our bacon, but Real Sociedad provide the first of up to four significant obstacles standing in the Europa League route. Hopes for the future may lie with youth, but even that's complicated! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The r-word has been put to bed after Bruno Fernandes delivered three more set-piece goals (via Morsy, De Ligt, and Maguire), but there was no shortage of drama at Old Trafford on Wednesday night with Andre Onana setting hearts racing again and Patrick Dorgu dismissed on his first home start. Fighting spirit on the pitch, then, but surely a sombre mood among Manchester United's staff after they were informed of more job cuts by Omar Berrada. We briefly break down the main points with a TotD Extra on executive strategy coming up next week. Fulham are better than Ipswich, it's fair to say, and they will pose a real threat to progress in the FA Cup. Can this competition provide the boost, and the route to Europe, that it did last season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you were to try and identify Manchester United's worst first half performance this season you would have a lengthy queue of candidates, but the latest showing at Goodison Park might just be it. In fact, the malaise dragged on for 70 minutes when, possibly fortunate to only be 2-0 down, the team were sparked into life by Bruno Fernandes. The captain beat Jordan Pickford with a free-kick but also dropped deeper in midfield to generate some momentum. Manuel Ugarte's well taken equaliser was the end of the scoring, even if there was plenty of drama yet to come. But, with Kieran McKenna's Ipswich Town coming to Old Trafford on Wednesday, Laurie is doing some frantic sums! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our normal schedule resumes and we're back on some familiar subject matter, but not before another big interview courtesy of the team at The Athletic; this time, Charlotte Harpur sat down with Raphael Varane and while he spoke in a measured manner he was fairly candid about his time at the club. Manchester United's accounts were published on Wednesday and, even for those versed in the club's financial problems, some alarming figures emerged. Debt repayments resulting from the Glazer family's leveraged takeover have now passed £1b. On the pitch, it's the last ever trip to Goodison Park this week. After a long sustained period of success there, fortunes changed somewhat; a solid recent record might be threatened by a Blues side resurgent under the doubly familiar figure of David Moyes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the debut of our spin-off, in-depth, discussion podcast Talk of the Devils EXTRA and we're not afraid to dive in head first! Getting goals is the most valuable skill in football and, as a result, strikers are the most expensive players. It's also something Manchester United are really struggling with this season and a likely priority in the next transfer window. So, who are United's recruiters looking at? Has the shortlist changed much since Ruben Amorim came in? What does all this mean for the strikers already on the books? And, can a former Utd striker provide any clues to exactly what it takes to succeed? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was dubbed El Calamatico; a clash of two teams falling disastrously short of expectation in the Premier League this season. Unfortunately for us it was Tottenham, through Manchester United fan James Maddison, who found the crucial breakthrough. In fairness to Ruben Amorim's eleven, they had little support from the bench after a series of injuries in training this week. But, the forwards failed to convert one of a few decent chances on the night; an all too familiar story (that we will look into in greater detail on Wednesday's all-new TotD Extra). With Amad Diallo ruled out for the season we're facing up to the reality of a lengthy period of pain and suffering, all the more difficult to endure because you can't know for sure whether Amorim is the man to bring success back to Old Trafford. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No midweek game but no respite; this is Manchester United! It's an epic show with no fewer than three FA Cup round-ups after the senior men and women and the U18s all booked their opponents in their respective competitions. If things aren't going great in the Premier League, it may be even messier in the backroom where more job cuts were announced in an effort to stem a major financial drain, even if the cause of that shortfall lies elsewhere. Before a look at the Calamatico v Spurs, we also dip into United's effort to catch up with the Premier League's best performers on their data systems and usage. Improvements are long overdue, but are Brighton and Bournemouth a fair comparison? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Harry Maguire was the hero at Old Trafford on Friday night as Manchester United progressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup in entirely uncontroversial fashion... well, that's not entirely true. Yes, it was offside, but that's not the controversy we're talking about. What we want to know (as do many listeners) is why Ruben Amorim played his new left-sided winger on the right! Patrick Dorgu played 45 minutes at right wing-back before he became a half-time substitute for Alejandro Garnacho, with the Argentinian injecting pace and purpose into what had been a dour performance. Meanwhile, his compatriot Lisandro Martinez is facing up to a long rehab after confirmation of an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The January transfer window closed on Monday with a new experience for Manchester United fans. The club's restraint in the face of deals they didn't consider good value has been met with a mixed reception by fans. So, with the help of your questions, we assess that strategy, and think about how Ruben Amorim will now address the main problem he has this season; a team that doesn't score enough goals. Can he turn the Reds aroooound? Ruud van Nistelrooy will return to Old Trafford on Friday for the first time since his short interim spell as manager; one that included unceremoniously dumping Leicester City out of a domestic cup competition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Any sense of optimism that had been building around Ruben Amorim's team was squashed by a workmanlike Crystal Palace who, remarkably, haven't conceded a goal against Manchester United in two years. Were the wounds self-inflicted? Amorim chose to move Kobbie Mainoo, excellent in Europe as a ten, to play false nine and left out both his misfiring strikers. Overthinking, or perhaps a message to the transfer department? Danish international Patrick Dorgu has signed from Serie A's Lecce and uncertainty about Marcus Rashford's future may be coming to a head as he travels to Bodymoor Heath for a medical at Aston Villa. Complicated deal it may be, but will it free up funds for the club to bring in an attacker before Monday night's transfer deadline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ruben Amorim deployed Kobbie Mainoo in one of the number ten positions against FCSB as Manchester United won comfortably to ease themselves through to the last 16 of this year's UEFA Europa League. A "rotated" starting XI looked like a bit of a gamble from the Portuguese manager, but a cautious approach initially followed by the introduction of more creative players at the break really paid off. The draw for the last 16 will take place later in February with four potential opponents; Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar, Real Sociedad, or FC Midtjylland. There's at least one transfer in the offing, but even that might be held up. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are next up in the Premier League, and United's recent record against them does not make for pretty reading. Do they qualify as a bogey team? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a case to say Lisandro Martinez is providing Manchester United's most potent attacking threat at the moment as we dig into some alarming trends with respect to the centre forwards. Positive sounding news on stadium development this week but unease continues to rumble among the fans and there was a fairly hostile response to Sir Jim Ratcliffe's presence at Craven Cottage. But, with FCSB up next, a top eight finish in the Europa League first phase might bring some respite and everyone but the Window Warriors TM will be glad to see the transfer deadline pass next week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Captain Bruno rescued three Europa League points for Manchester United after Cyriel Dessers looked to have earned Rangers a draw at the death. But while a European top eight finish, bypassing the play-off round, now looks likely there is still a lot of uncertainty around the club with financial question marks muddying the transfer waters. Will the club reach a deal for Patrick Dorgu, can the price be right for Alejandro Garnacho, and might Marcus Rashford still have a future at Old Trafford? We'll find out next week, after a very tricky trip to West London, where the eye-watering ticket prices are only adding to fans' anxiety. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Strong themes running through today's show as we remember United great Denis Law, the only Scottish footballer ever to win the Ballon d'Or, after his death on Friday at 84. How this current team could do with a centre forward, a goalscorer, an all-round footballer of Denis's ability. After Brighton won at Old Trafford again, Ruben Amorim called his side the worst in United's history. A joke, perhaps, but we're not laughing. Ella Toone celebrated her recent return to action with a hat-trick in a momentous derby win, the women's first ever victory away at Manchester City. Next up for the men is a Europa League clash with a Rangers team who seem to save their best for this competition. Talk of the Devils LIVE in London, March 17th: https://www.leicestersquaretheatre.com/show/talk-of-the-devils-live/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Irving might have been glad of a day off, very glad indeed, were it not for Amad's late show at Old Trafford on Thursday night. He became Manchester United's second youngest hat-trickster after Wayne Rooney and their first since Cristiano Ronaldo. While the 22 year-old Ivorian has a long way to achieve the stature of those two players, he is well on his way to becoming a cult hero and is a shining light at a time when things are still not going to plan; the first 75 minutes of this game saw Southampton, yes Southampton, good value for a one-nil advantage. Brighton are next and, while they got their first win in nine Premier League games at Ipswich, they have a very good record against United in recent times. Meanwhile, on the transfer front, no news is both good news and bad news. Tickets to the live show at London's Leicester Square Theatre on 17th March can be purchased here: https://www.leicestersquaretheatre.com/show/talk-of-the-devils-live/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a drab first half at the Emirates Stadium, the FA Cup third round tie between Arsenal and Manchester United caught fire; so much so, that it brought back memories of the fierce rivalry between the two clubs. Bruno gave United the lead with a superb finish, but Diogo Dalot was dismissed for a rash challenge which brought a second yellow card and things looked difficult with Arsenal equalising soon after. But, Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayandir saved an in-game penalty from Martin Odegaard, helped his defence stand firm, and then denied Kai Havertz in the penalty shootout before Joshua Zirkzee fired home to seal the win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We were sceptical clubs would come in for Marcus Rashford, but just a few days after he stated his openness to a move there are already some significant suitors. Could this actually happen? Much less likely is a transfer for either Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho: the two FA Youth Cup winners may not be certain starters for Amorim, but fans need not fear a fire sale... the price would have to be right. ...and with not one, but two FA Cup defences starting this weekend we catch up with the women's team, consider the merits of Arteta's Arsenal, and remember the season of no FA Cup football thanks to the inaugural FIFA club world cup. (Laurie's article, as discussed in the show, lives here... https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1498500/2020/01/02/fergies-calls-to-alastair-campbell-hang-gliding-in-brazil-and-trying-to-sign-rivaldo-the-year-manchester-united-pulled-out-of-the-fa-cup/?source=emp_shared_article) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A committed showing in an entertaining contest at the league leaders; how refreshing was that! It was certainly a pleasant surprise relative to our gloomy expectations. The return of Ugarte and Mainoo helped midfield, as did that of a resurgent Bruno Fernandes, but there were positive performances across the defence, from Diogo Dalot against Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Garnacho off the bench as well. The only big question was why they haven't been able to produce this before now. Marcus Rashford was not included in the squad; an expected move after Ruben Amorim said his training had been limited by illness, but Laurie shed a little light on the wider situation for Rashford with an article earlier in the weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was the worst month for Manchester United in 95 years, yet it started with a four-nil victory and included a famous derby win. We attempt to pick apart the problems of a team learning new patterns of play while negotiating a hectic festive programme and with their most valuable player deemed un-selectable, for the time being at least. Is there much hope for improvement in the near future? We do our best, but it's tough when you're visiting Europe's best team (on form) and the Premier League's hottest attacker of all time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The stats don't make for pretty reading after Bournemouth won 3-0 at Old Trafford, just as they did on their previous visit. In fact, United are setting all the wrong trends with Ruben Amorim's honeymoon period, if he ever had one, well and truly over. The Marcus Rashford situation might not be exactly what fans are making of it, but after he was left out of the squad for a third time, it looks like it may take a little while longer before that's resolved. And, with January on the horizon, Harry Maguire's contract will need addressing or he might leave on a free transfer in the summer. If he does stay on he will probably have to delay any holiday plans, with a tour to Asia mooted. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ruben Amorim rang the changes again as Manchester United tumbled out of the Carabao Cup at the quarter-final stage against Tottenham. Spare a thought, especially, for the goalkeeping coaches. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford has responded to his recent non-selection by telling journalist Henry Winter that he is now looking for a 'new challenge'. But, many questions remain unanswered. It's Bournemouth next; we're not scared of re-emphasising exactly how tricky that game could be against an eminently 'decent' side. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amad Diallo flipped a dismal derby on its head in the final ten minutes as Manchester United came from behind to win at the Etihad Stadium. Ruben Amorim took a sizeable gamble by leaving Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho out of the squad and, with Mason Mount injured after fifteen minutes, it looked to have backfired. However, the young Ivorian won a penalty which his captain put away and then latched onto a Lisandro Martinez through-ball to finish from an acute angle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Czech town of Plzen created a special beer to celebrate the visit of Manchester United, but after Andre Onana sold Matthijs De Ligt short, the Reds needed a Rasmus Hojlund double to round off the night. After a turgid first half Hojlund, along with Ruben Amorim's other substitutes, injected pace and purpose bringing United level almost immediately and sealing the win late on. To win away in Europe for the first time since March 2023 puts another positive spin on Sunday's derby at the Etihad Stadium against an ailing City side... but we're not getting carried away! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a tumultuous, albeit entirely precedented, weekend at Manchester United football club we break down two huge exclusives involving the team. On Sunday The Athletic's David Ornstein, Adam Crafton, and Laurie Whitwell combined to reveal that Sporting Director Dan Ashworth would leave after just five months in the job. Meanwhile, Andy Mitten published a lengthy and wide-ranging conversation with club minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. We also take time, as everyone at Old Trafford did before the defeat to Nottingham Forest, to share tributes to the club's longest-serving staff member (perhaps ever), the much-loved Kath Phipps. We just about found time to talk about some football, much of which wasn't great; but was it all that bad? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wednesday night's fixture at the Emirates stadium went roughly as expected, including the method of scoring, but was no less disappointing as a result. Ruben Amorim made six changes to his starting line-up, with more alterations in-game, but he loses his impressive personal unbeaten run in the league. Forest are no pushovers this season, we look at the threat they pose, and discuss a story from Adam Crafton about how and why the players abandoned a plan to wear jackets in support of the Premier League's Rainbow Laces campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Manchester United four, Everton nil. It's the type of result that shouldn't be as rare as it has become but we're happy with the scoreline and delighted with the performance of the team, despite a fairly unspectacular opening period. Amad Diallo was the man of the match, a 'professional pest' and provider of the fourth goal. That was scored by Joshua Zirkzee, who himself put in possible his best showing at the club so far. There was more unrest at ticket price hikes, including chants against Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and we reflect on your reaction to the news, plus a preview of Arsenal away (that's the league fixture, not the FA Cup third round!). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ruben Amorim's first home match in charge of Manchester United started with a bang and ended with a win over Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt. But, it wasn't all plain sailing; the visitors fought back to lead 2-1 after Garnacho's super-early strike (even quicker than Rashford v Ipswich) and the result wasn't assured until the final whistle blew. A major talking point among those attending the game was the club's decision to disallow any concessions on tickets remaining for sale this season. This was taken without fan consultation, contrary to an agreed protocol between the club and fan representative groups, and has provoked significant anger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marcus Rashford was on the scoresheet after just 81 seconds of Ruben Amorim's first game as Manchester United manager, rounding off a very encouraging move after good work from Amad Diallo. Unfortuntately, that was as good as it got with Kieran McKenna's Ipswich fighting back to earn a point; perhaps a lesson for the Portuguese on exactly how competitive the Premier League is. There was plenty to digest from that game, from positional play to passion and spectacular saves, and there's likely to be a fair bit more to come over the next few matches starting with a fascinating Bodo Glimt side on Thursday night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices