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

It's January 2026 and, with things looking up for Manchester United under Michael Carrick, it's time for our first Q&A of the year. Frankly, there's only one question you want an answer to... what will it take for Carrick to get the job full time and, if he doesn't, who are the main candidates?
There's a brighter outlook for several players, too. We consider the prospect of Kobbie Mainoo making it to the World Cup (Finals) and think about who might start at Fulham; a different sort of test for the new, well balanced, coaching setup.
And, of course, we've an assortment of some of your more outlandish ideas and suggestions before checking in on our wild take amnesty from the start of the season.

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Amazing strikes from a resurgent Patrick Dorgu and supersub Matheus Cunha gave Manchester United a massive win at the Emirates Stadium after Bryan Mbeumo's first half equaliser set Arsenal hearts fluttering.
Michael Carrick now has the shortest, most impressive resume, of any interim manager. Is it unfair to completely dismiss him as an option to take the job permanently? And how have the last few days changed our perception of what a Manchester United manager should be.
However things progress over the next few months, a more acute change in mood is difficult to imagine. United now sit fourth in the Premier League; are they in pole position (outside the top 3) to take a Champions League spot next season?
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What's this? A quiet week in Manchester United world?! Surely not! Yet, there has been little by way of headlines; is this the calming effect of Michael Carrick?
Perhaps it's the lack of activity in the transfer market. Manuel Ugarte has been linked with Ajax and there are more than one Italian club keeping an eye on Joshua Zirkzee, but with no long-term transfer targets on the market a first-team acquisition doesn't seem likely.
Things will get lively again come Sunday, for sure. Arsenal have a formidable defence, Declan Rice, and their set-pieces; it may be as tough as ever getting three points at the Emirates Stadium. But with renewed confidence and a week on the training ground, who knows...

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Here it is, almost 48 hours after the final whistle (sorry!), we're here to properly dissect the magnificent performance from Michael Carrick's mighty reds in the Manchester Derby.
From Maguire and Martinez, Bruno, Casemiro, super sub Cunha, and "ballon" Dorgu there were top marks across the board as United 'pulverised' City into submission. It's a huge game, of course, and a heightened atmosphere was guaranteed, but what does this say about the players' performances under previous managers and can it be sustained?
Lisandro Martinez had a particular point to prove after high profile criticism and we also get into some off-pitch matters as Carrick settles into a campaign which must deliver European football next season.
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Michael Carrick is the new Head Coach, interim or otherwise, of Manchester United. How will he change the way the team plays and is the target of qualifying for the Champions League, stated explicitly to players by Director of Football Jason Wilcox, really achievable now?

It will be a baptism of fire for Carrick and his staff with Manchester City coming to Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime. Will the players returning from AFCON go straight into the team, and can they help Benjamin Sesko build on a promising couple of games? United will need to defy expectation based on a difficult recent record in home derbies.

If you haven't already listened to our documentary episodes published on the anniversary of the Glazer takeover of Manchester United, you can find them in our podcast feed back in May, or via the following links:

Episode 1: The Story of the Glazer Takeover
Episode 2: What next for the Glazers at Manchester United
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