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Another failed attempt at back-to-back wins and a worrying performance saw a significant shift in the mood of our correspondence, and amongst our team as well.
The ease with which Brentford, who haven't started the season brilliantly themselves, were able to exploit the flaws in Manchester United's set-up, and the lack of intensity on show from the Reds only added to the sense of alarm.
Even Benjamin Sesko's first goal in club colours couldn't lighten the mood significantly... How long can this go on for Amorim? Is the support from his higher ups still resolute? It's getting tense.
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Manchester United will face Brentford in West London on Saturday lunchtime looking to pick up back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Mark Critchley joins Ian, Andy, and Carl in the studio to preview the game, but are we confident of three points?
The man most likely to provide cutting edge in attack is actually one of a host of key/leadership figures who left Brentford in the Summer. Bryan Mbeumo, however you pronounce his name, has started life well at United and as The Athletic's Jay Harris will attest he is a straight-forward, reliable performer.
We also catch up with some correspondence covering a broad range of questions including sliding doors moments, Evans-sized chickens, and exciting U21s prospects.
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Manchester United made it back-to-back wins (at Old Trafford) by beating the World Champions! It was a madcap first half with the Blues ''keeper Robert Sanchez sent off in the opening minutes before Bruno Fernandes, making his 200th appearance, gave United the lead with his 100th goal.
They overcame the dismissal of second goalscorer Casemiro for a second bookable offence and the back three emerged with great credit as United toughed out a late wobble after Trevoh Chalobah pulled one back for Chelsea.
So, how much has that improved our Monday mood and how much are we looking forward to the next few weeks? (spoiler alert; loads) it will be an exciting time for the women's team as well after Elisabeth Terland fired them into the Champions League and they followed up with a resolute point against Arsenal in the WSL.
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Mark Critchley joins Ian, Carl, and Andy on a week when Manchester United were all over the news again, and not in a good way. Everyone has an opinion, don't they, but what's the truth behind our results in the Premier League this season...
The club's financial results were published on Wednesday (sort of, we'll let Critch explain). In short, it's a record figure for revenue; great news you might think, but dig down a little into the numbers and it gets a bit more complicated.
Chelsea come to Old Trafford this Saturday teatime with a deeply (and we mean, deeply) unenviable record since Sir Alex Ferguson's tenure. They were roundly beaten at Bayern, but Andy isn't having any talk of them as a "crisis club". Alejandro Garnacho will be looking to make an impression, you would think; how will he be received by the home crowd?
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In this Talk of the Devils Extra, the first of the new season, we take stock of the atmosphere at Old Trafford; why it's important, how it has evolved over the years, and how we can make sure it thrives in the future.
Joining us are some special guests, chant leader Pete Boyle and youth supporters club representative Luca Black, but of course this is Andy Mitten's specialist subject and he has plenty to say as well.
So whether you remember the glory days or not, join us for a trip down memory lane... we hope you agree it's a welcome break from analysing the football!
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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?
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Manchester United's men won their first game of football this season (the women won, too; more on that soon). Where Grimsby had started to feel like Ruben Amorim might be reaching his Old Trafford endgame, Bruno's late penalty saw off Burnley and the feeling is very different going into the international break.
There were many positives; Bryan Mbeumo, the whole first half display, and the creation of several major opportunities. Unfortunately, there were a few old worries as well; the conversion (or not) of those opportunities, and another unconvincing display by an MUFC goalkeeper.
With the UK transfer deadline looming, things are starting to happen for the "bomb squad". Alejandro Garnacho has joined Chelsea, Rasmus Hojlund is Italy-bound with a deal on the cards there. Meanwhile, Spain could be the destination for both Antony and Tyrell Malacia. As for Jadon Sancho, who knows?!
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This isn't the first time we've used the phrase "a new low" in recent years, not by a long way, but it's difficult to see us using it again soon.
Amorim's United were dominated by fourth-tier Grimsby Town as the hosts took a deserved 2-0 lead in the first half of their Carabao Cup second round tie.
Despite fighting back to draw level, new signings Cunha & Mbeumo missed in a penalty shootout loss. After the game, Ruben Amorim's cryptic comments invited speculation that he may be questioning his future at the club. Where do we go from here?
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Oh no, are we doing this again?! After a positive opening day performance in defeat at home to Arsenal. hopes were high as United's faithful headed South for the annual raid of Craven Cottage. Unfortunately, after a decent start, some old habits crept back in and it started to feel worryingly like last season.
Part of the problem was a penalty miss by Bruno, who had a strange day, and represents the most high profile of several midfield riddles for Ruben Amorim. Stick or twist with your talisman... and who to play along side him?
As the first team head to Cleethorpes for their first League Cup Second Round tie in two decades the question of reinforcements, specifically in midfield and in goal, continues to dominate the conversation. It could be a busy few days in the transfer market!
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A few days on from Manchester United’s defeat to Arsenal, Ian Irving is joined by Andy Mitten, Laurie Whitwell and Carl Anka to unpack the big talking points. From United’s uncertain goalkeeping situation to the impact of the new signings, the panel debate where the team really stands — and ask the burning question: where was Kobbie Mainoo?
We also dive into Carl’s analysis of Matthijs de Ligt, hear from Andy’s conversation with Harry Maguire, and get Laurie’s take on United’s new academy director, Steven Torpey.
And with Fulham up next, the lads look ahead to Craven Cottage — is this where United’s season really begins?
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Another Premier League season begins, and it's another home defeat for Amorim's Manchester United. The stats don't look good, but you can make stats say anything...
We're actually feeling quite upbeat about things in general. New signings Cunha and Mbeumo played well individually and within the team. If there's to be no Baleba at Old Trafford this season, maybe there are a few believers in the midfielders already at the club.
Of course, there are always worries. Right now the number one concern is, well, the number one shirt. Altay Bayindir made a high profile "error" to concede the winning goal, prompting tense exchanges in Ruben Amorim's post-match press conference. Will it provoke a foray into the market? And what about Utd's other transfer targets, not to mention the players they'd like to move on?
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It's the eve of the Premier League season: at Manchester United, Omar Berrada and Ruben Amorim have addressed staff as they do everything possible to hit the ground running. While there are a few nagging doubts, the mood is good and there is real hope of positive change.
Will the team change much? Ruben Amorim has been criticised for sticking rigidly to his system but he can, of course, name a completely new front three. Pre-season was encouraging and, while the likes of Carlos Baleba would be more than welcome, fears of another season like the last have receded significantly.
The opening league fixture will be a tough one, though, with Arsenal heading to Old Trafford bolstered by new signings including midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Ruben Amorim's former striker Viktor Gyokeres. But, will the Gunners' set-pieces once again provide the number one threat?
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Manchester United have got their man... again! Benjamin Sesko (pronounced Ben-ya-min Sheshko) met the Old Trafford crowd before the final pre-season game against Fiorentina (featuring David de Gea) and United's £200m revamp of their frontline is now complete.
It's not just the frontline that's had a lick of paint. The rejuvenated training facilities at Carrington were unveiled on Friday and, despite holidays for the whole podcast team, we had boots on the ground in the shape of Mark Critchley.
So, is that it for renovations? Well, maybe not! Brighton's Carlos Baleba has been heavily linked to provide a shot in the arm of United's midfield, and rumours of a move for a goalkeeper won't quite disappear either. With time running out before the new Premier League season, there could yet be a twist or two in this transfer window.
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Ruben Amorim met with the press pack at the end of the Premier League's US Summer Series for a wide-ranging discussion encompassing his tenure so far, how things are progressing ahead of the new season, his relationship with the owner, and more.
United actually won the Summer Series trophy but their faces didn't seem to know after a slightly underwhelming performance against Everton. Captain Bruno Fernandes spoke out after the game, asking for reinforcements to provide competition and combat laziness.
Will Benjamin Sesko be just that? The situation is no clearer than it was a few days ago with Newcastle bidding for the player but no tangible move yet from the hierarchy at Old Trafford.
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Manchester United's pursuit of a centre forward, to complete a brand new front three, stepped up a notch this week with the news that Benjamin Sesko is their prime target. We mull over what might have triggered that acceleration, whether his form stacks up, and how they might be able to afford him at his 2025 price.
Over in Chicago, the lads are cuddled up in the Felix Hotel business suite having savoured the sights and sounds of the Windy City. Ruben Amorim's squad are also enjoying America with another good pre-season showing and Bryan Mbeumo getting closer to some action for Manchester. Even Rasmus Hojlund seems energised and unworried about incoming transfers.
It's all a far cry from the aftermath of Bilbao, the end of a season that everyone knew couldn't be allowed to happen again. Luke Shaw let his hot temper out on a hot mic that night but while he doesn't regret his words, he's much happier about things now and feels ready to get back to his best.
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A victory over West Ham in the first game of the US tour, and a very encouraging performance from Amorim's developing squad. We were impressed by the interplay and structure, the partnerships showing promise, and the warm familiarity of Bruno bagging a brace.
Having played 70 minutes in New Jersey's Metlife Stadium, we're now wondering how close that starting eleven will be to the one that faces Arsenal on the opening day of the Premier League season... Might the bomb squad return to the fold? Amorim says they could, but do we really believe that?
Bryan Mbeumo is getting up to speed, so he could feature soon, but Diego Cunha looks nailed on for the left-side ten role and we have the most spectacular name to drop in our research on the lively, talented Brazilian.
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