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.

Mark Critchley, a football journalist renowned for his insights on Manchester United, and Laurie Whitwell, a senior writer with expertise in club recruitment, delve into United's pressing need for a midfielder. They discuss potential targets like Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, and Carlos Baleba, weighing their qualities and fit for the team. The pair also explore the club's recruitment structure and reflect on young talent Kobbie Mainoo's stalled progress. With the January transfer window approaching, the stakes have never been higher!

Laurie Whitwell, a Senior football journalist at The Athletic, and Jon Mackenzie, a tactical analyst, dive deep into Ruben Amorim's first year at Manchester United. They explore the grading of Amorim’s performance amid team restructuring and Sir Jim Ratcliffe's supportive stance. The duo analyzes tactical shifts and their implications for team success, debating if Amorim could ultimately lead the team to a title. They also discuss key signings and the challenges facing United as they eye a top-four finish this season.

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.

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.

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.

Laurie Whitwell, Manchester United correspondent for The Athletic, Carl Anka, a seasoned tactical analyst, and Andy Mitten, a longtime football journalist, dive into Kobbie Mainoo's uncertain future at United. They discuss whether he should be loaned out for more playing time and the challenges he faces in fitting into the current system. The panel also highlights young talent JJ Gabriel's impressive performances in the FA Youth Cup, pondering if he can live up to his idol Neymar. They further explore the changing landscape of United's academy amidst ongoing scrutiny.

Laurie Whitwell, a seasoned journalist for The Athletic specializing in Manchester United, joins the discussion to dissect Kobbie Mainoo's struggles at the club. They delve into the possible reasons behind his limited playtime, future prospects, and the balance between supporting the manager and promoting academy talents. Laurie also touches on the impact of AFCON on squad dynamics and praises Mason Mount's resurgence. The conversation includes insights on potential transfer targets and the club's evolving recruitment strategy.

Laurie Whitwell, a football journalist for The Athletic, and Andy Mitten, a seasoned Manchester United pundit, dive into United's impressive 4-1 victory over Wolves. They discuss the significance of Mason Mount's standout performance and dive into the team's fragile confidence following recent struggles. With intriguing insights on fan reactions, tactical tweaks, and the ongoing impact of Johnny Evans' departure, the duo offers a mix of analysis and light-hearted moments. The episode wraps with a look ahead to an exciting FA Cup draw against Brighton.

Laurie Whitwell, a seasoned journalist for The Athletic specializing in Manchester United, shares insights on Ruben Amorim's first year as head coach. He reveals behind-the-scenes dynamics, including Amorim's informal approach to meetings and how he addresses player accountability, even calling out big names to maintain standards. They discuss tactical shifts leading to improved performances and the need for a proven midfielder in the transfer market. Laurie also touches on the impact of player feedback and dressing-room leadership in shaping team dynamics.