Mailbag: Amorim's system, season so far, best chippy in town

Three wins in a row, confidence seeping back into players, and an encouraging set of fixtures over the next few weeks. Life is so much brighter now for Manchester United fans, but is there still a fragility to the mood, and is the football sustainable?Ruben Amorim's critics are, naturally, quieter than they were. But what has brought about the change in form? Is it the manager's stubborn resolve finally paying off, or has he actually made significant changes to the way his team plays?And, what of Nottingham Forest? Recent form suggests a tough task, but they are already on their third permanent manager this season having just replaced a man who has an admirable record against Manchester United with one who does not. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back, to back, to back. If Sunderland was relief, and Liverpool was elation, what does a win at home to Brighton mean? Does it mean Manchester United are now good again, and does it mean we can be genuinely optimistic about this season?Mark Critchley WAS at Old Trafford with Carl Anka on Saturday and they are in the studio with Ian while Andy joins us online from Spain. Everyone was delighted to see Matheus Cunha get off the mark for his new club with a smart finish from the edge of the box. Meanwhile, Bryan Mbeumo and Senne Lammens continue to breathe confidence into fans, and Casemiro showed his value as well.It was Bruno Fernandes' 300th appearance and he granted an audience to the press (including our own Laurie Whitwell) at Carrington on Friday. His comments about individual accolades versus team success are reassuring, especially with the context of that Brighton victory, while he also offered an interesting response when asked if he might leave this summer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the warm glow of jubilation fades after Anfield... OK, maybe just one more quick spin around the happiness block!But with a quick mental ice bath of our own, thoughts quickly turn to a game against Brighton at Old Trafford... one that, with good reason, still gives cause for trepidation. Carlos Baleba thinks he has rediscovered his old self just in time to show Mancunians what he is capable of.The good news, though, is that Ruben Amorim has plenty of options at his disposal. With only Lisandro Martinez out injured, there is real competition for places in most positions. Can Utd go back to back... to back? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The title says it all; after more than nine years and ten failed attempts, Manchester United have beaten Liverpool at Anfield. We savour every moment from Bryan Mbeumo's goal just seconds after the final whistle to Harry Maguire heading in the winner from Bruno Fernandes special volley-cross.It was a 90-minute performance and it was a team performance; the boys from Brazil jetted back (from South East Asia) in time to start the game. Casemiro ran his legs off for an hour, and Matheus Cunha made it to the end, still pushing the Liverpool defence at the death.Senne Lammens provided calm in goal and Amorim's direct approach to distribution, without Sesko at number nine, proved a smart play on the day. A great result, a huge relief, and a real boost to confidence; so what comes next?!Buy tickets to Talk of the Devils LIVE at London's Soho Theatre, Walthamstow on Tuesday 11th November, via this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've completed the first leg of our live-show tour with dates in Belfast, Dublin, and Cork. Ian and Laurie are back at home feeling the effects, Andy continues on a bit more of a trek having paced himself, and Carl has wisely allowed himself a day off.No rest for Manchester United's international stars, though. Mixed results for the club's players in African World Cup qualifying Even Andy's mileage doesn't compare to Casemiro who has played 180 minutes for Brazil on the other side of the globe. Will he be selected at Anfield?Despite the recent record at Liverpool there is a sense that, if we see a solid showing from Ruben's boys, there's a realistic chance of a good result. The hosts certainly have the bigger injury problems, including some important players, and they haven't exactly started the season like champions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October international break can only mean one thing, seemingly random news stories about Manchester United. This time it’s the ownership in focus. Coming to you from the boardroom in Dublin, the team break away from the Talk of the Devils Live tour to discuss claims the club might be for sale.With Sir Jim Ratcliffe looking to make a new stadium his lasting legacy at Manchester United, fan surveys sent out on the future of ticketing have raised a few eyebrows. Not so the Manchester United women’s team, who came roaring back to beat Everton at the Hill Dickinson stadium.Finally, we catch up on some international Reds (and former Reds). Who might impress ahead of next summer’s World Cup? And who’s ready for Anfield. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've said it before, no doubt we'll say it again... just when you think Manchester United are going to have a quiet week, something happens! This time it was minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe talking at length to a new business podcast from The Times (https://podfollow.com/the-business).The emphasis of Sir Jim's words may have been distorted by headline writers, but he did say he wants to give Ruben Amorim three years to prove himself as a good coach; we applaud the sentiment, but is it really possible if results don't change?Another point of contention was the academy. Changes have been made at Carrington recently, one of the side-effects being disruption for some of the youth teams, and there have been staff changes as well. We ask if the academy is in good shape, and how much it should conform itself to the modern game?Talk of the Devils will be on tour NEXT WEEK. Get your tickets for Dublin/Cork now or miss out...                    Belfast (The Limelight) – October 12 SOLD OUTDublin (Vicar Street) – October 13: Click here to buy ticketsCork (Opera House) – October 14: Click here to buy ticketsManchester (New Century Hall) – November 10 SOLD OUT London (Soho Theatre, Walthamstow) – November 11: Click here to buy tickets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October international break and it's time for another Talk of the Devils Extra, this time it's an audience Q&A.So, after another healthy response from you all we cover the season so far, whether we'd swap the Brentford/Chelsea results, why the team are swapping ends, and Amorim's system.There's also an update on the best chippy in Manchester (albeit not a definitive one), Carl's preferred driving instructor, and the moment we'd all like to relive.Last chance if you're in Dublin/Cork if you want to join us for Talk of the Devils LIVE!                    Belfast (The Limelight) – October 12 SOLD OUTDublin (Vicar Street) – October 13: Click here to buy ticketsCork (Opera House) – October 14: Click here to buy ticketsManchester (New Century Hall) – November 10 SOLD OUT London (Soho Theatre, Walthamstow) – November 11: Click here to buy tickets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saturday saw a "routine" win for Manchester United at Old Trafford, if there can be such a thing under Ruben Amorim. The head coach was certainly not under that impression, saying there's "no momentum" for his team.Nevertheless, it was a good result and an encouraging performance. Senne Lammens made an excellent impression on Premier League debut; not perfect, but reassured, and that composure helped the defence along with a markedly more direct approach to distribution.Speaking of direct distribution, Benjamin Sesko did well again, getting his first goal at Old Trafford and providing that outlet. He's getting good reports from within. And, of course, there's Mason Mount. We'll let Laurie fill in the details.Talk of the Devils will be on tour again this autumn and we’d love to see you there!                     Belfast (The Limelight) – October 12 SOLD OUTDublin (Vicar Street) – October 13: Click here to buy ticketsCork (Opera House) – October 14: Click here to buy ticketsManchester (New Century Hall) – November 10 SOLD OUT London (Soho Theatre, Walthamstow) – November 11: Click here to buy tickets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laurie Whitwell taking a day off? As if that would happen. Our resident newshound stepped back into the breach despite a scheduled absence to tell us all about potential changes to development plans for a new Old Trafford and plans for.a mid-season friendly in Saudi Arabia.Ruben Amorim's future has been the source of increased speculation in the media, and throughout the fanbase, but noises from within the club are that he will be given more time, and more transfer windows, before any judgement is acted upon. The Athletic's new financial writer joins us to talk about his beloved Sunderland and whether Manchester United are particularly profligate when it comes to managerial compensation.That Sunderland game is another big one, another "decent side" testing the team's fragile confidence. Will we see Senne Lammens take over in goal, will Amad return to action, and will the newly reintegrated Tyrell Malacia be named in the squad?Talk of the Devils will be on tour again this autumn and we’d love to see you there!                     Belfast (The Limelight) – October 12 SOLD OUTDublin (Vicar Street) – October 13: Click here to buy ticketsCork (Opera House) – October 14: Click here to buy ticketsManchester (New Century Hall) – November 10 SOLD OUT London (Soho Theatre, Walthamstow) – November 11: Click here to buy tickets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.