Manchester derby preview: can United build momentum?

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?Tickets for Talk of the Devils LIVE:Belfast (The Limelight) – October 12, 2025: Click here to buy ticketsDublin (Vicar Street) – October 13, 2025: Click here to buy ticketsCork (Opera House) – October 14, 2025: Click here to buy ticketsManchester (New Century Hall) – November 10, 2025: SOLD OUTLondon (Soho Theatre, Walthamstow) – November 11, 2025: Click here to buy tickets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.Talk of the Devils LIVE:Belfast (The Limelight) – October 12, 2025: Click here to buy ticketsDublin (Vicar Street) – October 13, 2025: Click here to buy ticketsCork (Opera House) – October 14, 2025: Click here to buy ticketsManchester (New Century Hall) – November 10, 2025: SOLD OUTLondon (Soho Theatre, Walthamstow) – November 11, 2025: Click here to buy tickets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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?! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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?Come to our live shows in the Autumn:Belfast (The Limelight) – October 12, 2025: Click here to buy ticketsDublin (Vicar Street) – October 13, 2025: Click here to buy ticketsCork (Opera House) – October 14, 2025: Click here to buy ticketsManchester (New Century Hall) – November 10, 2025: Click here to buy ticketsLondon (Soho Theatre, Walthamstow) – November 11, 2025: Click here to buy tickets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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?Come to our live shows in the Autumn:Belfast (The Limelight) – October 12, 2025: Click here to buy ticketsDublin (Vicar Street) – October 13, 2025: Click here to buy ticketsCork (Opera House) – October 14, 2025: Click here to buy ticketsManchester (New Century Hall) – November 10, 2025: Click here to buy ticketsLondon (Soho Theatre, Walthamstow) – November 11, 2025: Click here to buy tickets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.