Laurie Whitwell

Laurie Whitwell, Manchester United reporter for The Athletic, joins the discussion following the shocking defeat of Manchester United to Grimsby Town in the League Cup. They explore the implications of this loss on United's management and tactics. The podcast also previews the exciting Premier League clash between Liverpool and Arsenal, highlighting their contrasting styles and recent performances. Other match previews include Tottenham's strong start against Bournemouth and the uncertainty surrounding Manchester City's form against Brighton.

Laurie Whitwell, a Manchester United reporter, and Mark Critchley, a writer for The Athletic, dive deep into United's thrilling win at Anfield—their first since 2016. They analyze Ruben Amorim’s adaptive tactics that turned the match around and discuss Harry Maguire's redemption arc with a pivotal goal. The conversation also explores Matheus Cunha's surprise inclusion in the lineup and the significance of building momentum ahead of the crucial Brighton fixture. Plus, they weigh in on the potential benefits of no European distractions for team development.

Laurie Whitwell, a Manchester United reporter for The Athletic, dives into the intricacies of Old Trafford's stadium development and the potential financial impact of mid-season friendlies in Saudi Arabia. Chris Witherspoon, a financial writer and Sunderland fan, analyzes the staggering £55 million cost of managerial changes at United. They also discuss Sunderland's solid start to the season and the significance of the upcoming match against United, focusing on player fitness and confidence as pivotal factors in the team's performance.

Jack Pitt-Brooke, Tottenham Hotspur correspondent, and Laurie Whitwell, Manchester United correspondent, dive into Tottenham’s thrilling Europa League win, led by Brennan Johnson’s decisive goal. They explore the significance of the victory for Spurs and the pressures on manager Postecoglou. The conversation shifts to Manchester United’s disappointing performance, key player analyses, and the repercussions for Amorim. With humor, they recount medal distribution quirks and reflect on the future of both teams amidst evolving strategies and managerial expectations.

Joining the discussion are Daniel Storey, a writer for The Athletic; Tim Spiers, a football journalist; Chris Weatherspoon, a Mackem and finance expert; and Laurie Whitwell, a reporter who covered Manchester United's pre-season. They tackle Sunderland's return to the Premier League and their potential to stay afloat. The conversation also dives into Manchester United's struggle for improvement and whether they can defy expectations. Other teams like Everton and Brighton are highlighted for their exciting strategies and possible upsets in the upcoming season.