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

Manchester United will face Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford this Sunday and there should be a good feeling about the place. Results have been close to perfect under Michael Carrick and we understand the club's executive team will recommend his appointment as permanent head coach.
So, hopefully Carrick will be staying on, but Casemiro will say a fond farewell to the home crowd after four emotionally charged seasons. The Brazil captain has shown admirable qualities to weather various storms and is arguably having his best spell as he prepares to leave.
Long before that, almost as this podcast goes out, we'll know how the U18s have fared in the FA Youth Cup final. It's a first Manchester derby since 1986 and controversy around the late change of venue adds an extra spice to an already interesting match-up; winning would represent a real achievement for United in English youth football's highly competitive environment.
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We asked a series of questions about the rest of the season on our podcast last Thursday, mostly concerning Manchester United's "squad" players and what they need to do in the last three league game to stake their claim for a prominent role next season.
In the first of those three games, at Sunderland, it's fair to say we were left rather underwhelmed by the answers. With the caveat that they haven't played much football recently, and this was an unusually low-stakes fixture, messers Zirkzee, Mount, Amad, even Martinez looked a little flat.
Let's hope for the return of Casemiro at Old Trafford next time out and fingers crossed Bruno can get the two assists he needs to become the single-season record holder without needing to get over the line at Brighton. United's captain was rewarded for his stellar season with the FWA player of the season award but chasing that prize gives him and his teammates a mini-target to shoot (or pass) for.
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Manchester United will compete for the 2026-27 Champions League and when the draw comes around they will most likely be in Pot 2 which should deliver a couple of high profile matches and some more interesting destinations as well. But, what does that mean for the rest of this season?
Will Michael Carrick (still not confirmed as a permanent head coach of the team) choose to rotate a little and give opportunities to fringe players and academy prospects, or is that too risky? It could be expensive, too, with a good chunk of prize money at stake. The trip to Sunderland this weekend can't be taken lightly, even if the opposition's form has tailed off slightly.
We also have a couple of news stories with Betway seemingly close to becoming Utd's new training kit sponsor and a frustrating situation with the FA Youth Cup final. Manchester City were drawn as hosts and, while tradition dictates the game be held at the senior stadium, they are carrying out renovations.
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Manchester United are back in the Champions League having done the double over Liverpool, that's the league double against Liverpool.
The lads rushed straight to the studio to record this podcast for you, even with Ian feeling a little poorly, and even though United didn't take their 2-0 half-time lead and add a few more to really add insult to injury.
As it was, we had to make do with another great winning goal, another goal in a big game, from Kobbie Mainoo. Bruno can get his assists record in the next few weeks, no bother at all!
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Manchester United face Liverpool at Old Trafford this Sunday knowing that a win against their biggest rivals will guarantee Champions League football next season. It would also represent an incredible turnaround in the two teams' fortunes from this time last year. It looks good, especially with the hand Arne Slot has at his disposal, but the podcast's confidence is very cautious.
Michael Carrick likes to keep his cards close to his chest and he has not been drawn on a potential appointment as permanent manager (or head coach), but he did confirm he had a cup of tea with Sir Jim Ratcliffe last week. Meanwhile, Kobbie Mainoo will hope to celebrate his new contract with a positive performance in the middle of the park; it's not that long ago he and the club were seriously contemplating his departure.
We also hear from Mason Mount about his hopes for next season as the players look to build on the current momentum. And just one more thing; "a win against their biggest rivals"... Are Liverpool actually the number one rivals for Manchester United? We start the debate.
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