Europa League the priority as Onana sits out Newcastle defeat
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.
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57:14
Lyon draw 'best result of season' despite Onana errors
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)
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54:36
Worst Manchester derby ever? 'Huge' Lyon match preview
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/
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47:04
United and Garnacho frustrated as Elanga pace pays off for Forest
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/
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54:48
Are United underdogs for Forest trip?
A provocative title? Perhaps; in one sense, of course United (13th in the PL) are underdogs away at (3rd placed) Forest. But, perhaps it's not that straight-forward...
United's results were much improved in March, bringing a player of the month nomination for Bruno Fernandes and a manager of the month nod for Ruben Amorim. Meanwhile, Forest might be without Chris Wood, and maybe there's a distortion in media coverage of player form.
Prompted, in part, by comments from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Laurie has been looking at player contracts to try and get a firmer grasp on the overall budget and how it might affect transfer business in the future.
TotD Tour dates and ticket info: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6235043/2025/03/31/talk-of-the-devils-2025-tour-dates-uk-ireland/
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About Talk of the Devils: The Athletic FC's Manchester United show
Host Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell, Carl Anka and Andy Mitten on the world's biggest Manchester United podcast. Subscribe for expert insight from inside the club, breaking news and two episodes every week.
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