Talk of the Devils: The Athletic FC's Manchester United show
The Athletic
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 in...
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.
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59:16
Why always Anfield at the worst time? A December to forget
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.
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1:07:42
Dismal Christmas display as Bournemouth win at Old Trafford (again)
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.
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53:40
Rashford seeking 'new challenge' as Utd exit EFL Cup
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.
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57:05
Amad derby ending: Manchester Red again
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.
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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.
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