Talk of the Devils: The Athletic FC's Manchester United show

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: devilspod@theathletic.com (put EXTRA in the subject line). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A riveting clash saw Manchester United miraculously overcome a 4-2 deficit against Lyon, showcasing sheer determination and tactical brilliance. The match featured a dramatic penalty scored by the captain, marking a historic milestone for the club. Key performances from Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, and Harry Maguire fueled the comeback, leaving fans in disbelief. The emotional rollercoaster of this Europa League fixture serves as a testament to the team's resilience and the vibrant atmosphere at Old Trafford.

Join a thrilling journey through Old Trafford's most unforgettable European nights. Relive the emotional highs and lows from Sir Matt Busby’s inspiring legacy to Sir Alex Ferguson's dramatic matches. The electric atmosphere and iconic moments bring nostalgia, featuring unforgettable feats like Rooney’s debut hat-trick and the stunning 7-1 victory over AS Roma. Personal anecdotes add depth to these legendary clashes, showcasing not just the team's triumphs but also the passionate spirit of its devoted fans.

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

The discussion kicks off with Manchester United's underdog status against Nottingham Forest, diving into tactical shifts and psychological player dynamics. With Bruno Fernandes making headlines, the hosts contemplate contract complexities and future transfer impacts. The rivalry between the teams takes center stage, highlighting contrasting fortunes and injuries. Insights into young player contracts raise questions about development, while speculation on potential big signings adds to the intrigue. It's a deep dive into strategy, finance, and footballing futures!

Adam Lawrence, the Under-18s Head Coach, Colin Little, an Academy Coach, and Nick Cox, the Academy Director, delve into the inner workings of Manchester United's youth setup. They discuss the crucial role of holistic player development and the emphasis on personal well-being alongside athletic growth. The guests share insights on nurturing young talent, the evolution of player-coach dynamics, and the importance of building strong relationships. With the U18s facing Aston Villa in the FA Youth Cup semi-final, the excitement for potential upcoming Manchester derby adds to the conversation!

Charlotte Harpur, a football journalist and analyst specializing in women’s football, joins the discussion about the current state of Manchester United Women. They dive into the team’s strong performance despite key player departures and crowd attendance challenges. Topics include the uncertainty surrounding Marc Skinner's future, aspirations for Champions League qualification, and the need for better promotion of women’s football. They also reflect on the importance of fan engagement in boosting support for the team.