Best Laurie Whitwell Podcasts (2025)

1
What does Onana's injury mean for Man United? 53:36

3d ago53:36

53:36

Pre-season is here which can only mean one thing... injury disruption. Yes, ahead of the first game (against Leeds in Solna) the news broke that Andre Onana has suffered a hamstring strain. But will he be back in time for the Arsenal game, and what does it mean for the 'keeping department? The podcast team have been putting their last football-free…

1
Season Preview: What Amorim must fix at Man United 1:12:00

8d ago1:12:00

1:12:00

Pre-season is here and Ruben Amorim has his work cut out after his disastrous first few months in charge, but what, precisely, does he need to achieve before the Premier League resumes in mid-August? The training squad is five lighter after Rashford, Sancho, Garnacho, Antony, and Malacia were given extra time away to find new clubs, so where does n…

1
Rashford, Garnacho, Sancho & co. Sales this summer? 50:50

10d ago50:50

50:50

Manchester United's pre-season training starts this Monday, but it will begin without five players. Five players with different profiles, salaries, and ages, but with one thing in common; they are considered surplus to requirements by Ruben Amorim. We take a look at each individual case, their personal circumstances, who might be interested in buyi…

1
Watkins interest assessed and where's Mbeumo? 51:55

14d ago51:55

51:55

Exciting times at TotD Towers as we launch on not one but three social media platforms. Some listeners have been asking to see us on Youtube for a while, well now you can... and we're on Instagram and TikTok to boot. https://www.youtube.com/@TOTDevils https://www.instagram.com/totdevils https://www.tiktok.com/@totdevils On today's show, the Bryan M…

1
Mbeumo latest & Martinez links examined 1:02:14

21d ago1:02:14

1:02:14

The longest day has come and gone but we are now deep into silly season, the transfer-rumour-ridden hinterland that chases the end of the previous season out of town. Manchester United may or may not have made an improved bid for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, and may or may not have had a discussion with the representatives of Aston Villa goalkee…

1
Fixtures, striker search, and ticket price reaction 1:04:32

28d ago1:04:32

1:04:32

It's a midsummer special on the week of the longest day of the year (if only there was a proper name for it...) It's also pretty much square in the middle of Manchester United's summer break, with a month gone since last season and a month until the first pre-season fixture. The Premier League fixtures were announced this morning and we react to a …

1
From Amad to Zirkzee: end of season awards and review 1:11:52

1M ago1:11:52

1:11:52

We made it to the end... a season that will be remembered for many years to come, for all the wrong reasons, is finally over. But who actually deserves some credit for sticking to their task, inspiring their teammates, and just generally defying the general trend of underperformance? We choose our player of the season (who isn't Bruno), the goal th…

1
Bruno staying, Mbeumo keen, but what about Sancho? 45:10

1M ago45:10

45:10

In your podcatchers a day earlier than planned, it's a transfer junkie special (especially for Andy) with news that Bruno has decided to stay at Old Trafford top of the shop. Meanwhile, the Matheus Cunha deal is done and another right-sided forward impressing in the Premier League, Bryan Mbeumo, also wants to join the club (that's according to our …

1
Cunha in, Bruno out? post-season tour report 49:41

1M ago49:41

49:41

After a few extra days, the season we all want to forget is finally over. Not that that means there's no news. Matheus Cunha looks poised to become a Manchester United player, but might it be one Portuguese speaker for another with Bruno Fernandes apparently giving consideration to a hefty contract offer from Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal. And, while the…

1
Garnacho told to find new club; Bilbao reflections 58:52

2M ago58:52

58:52

It's our first podcast since the calamities of Bilbao, and we're not just talking about the football. Who is responsible for the series of events which led to leaving hundreds, maybe thousands, of fans stranded in a city that had essentially closed for business? Ruben Amorim's future had even seemed up in the air after that game, but it seems he ha…

1
United flop in Bilbao 49:34

2M ago49:34

49:34

It was supposed to be party time; 24 hours in a cultural and culinary paradise, taking the edge off an awful season. Instead we're left wondering what happens next... for the team, the players, even the manager. Ange Postecoglu's Spurs are the Europa League champions, they will play Champions League football next season and represent the Premier Le…

1
Manchester United's European Finals 1:15:32

2M ago1:15:32

1:15:32

You asked for it; here it is. We manifested a dramatic European night at Old Trafford and a monumental victory away from home against Athletic Club. Now, as the team (and the fans) return to Bilbao for the Europa League final, we're going back through history to catalogue the eight previous showpiece games. Featuring the most famous Champions Leagu…

1
Europa League Final Preview 50:07

2M ago50:07

50:07

Here it is, then: the match that will define the season, even if it's impossible to save. It's the match that could well dictate the future of Ruben Amorim at United and the next chapter of the club's history. If that makes you nervous, you're not alone. The team's performance at Chelsea on Friday night has us worried about all sorts of things, fro…

1
What next for the Glazers at Man United? 57:56

2M ago57:56

57:56

This is the second of a two-part Talk of the Devils Extra, a detailed history of the controversial purchase and subsequent ownership of Manchester United by American investor Malcolm Glazer and his six children. Part one, referenced heavily in this conversation, tells the story of the Glazer takeover in 2005 with contributions from three key perspe…

1
The Story of the Glazer Takeover of Man United 48:08

2M ago48:08

48:08

Welcome to this special two-part Talk of the Devils Extra, a detailed history of the controversial purchase and subsequent ownership of Manchester United by American investor Malcolm Glazer and his six children. This first part will recount the events leading up to the Glazer takeover in 2005 with contributions from three key perspectives; fan acti…

1
Amorim upset by "lack of urgency" in defeat 49:02

2M ago49:02

49:02

Manchester United suffered their 17th defeat of the Premier League season with manager Ruben Amorim struggling to contain his frustration at a team that, while headed for a European final, don't have the right "feeling" when it comes to losing in the league. We talk about how we feel as fans when the team plays this far below expectations, and comm…

1
Mount at the double: United are off to Bilbao 44:07

2M ago44:07

44:07

Mason Mount had his best moment in his injury-hit United career so far and then twenty minutes later he had an even better one as Ruben Amorim's men recovered from a rocky start to, eventually, cruise into the Europa League final. Low on confidence and struggling to get out of their own third, it took a triple sub from the manager to liven up the p…

1
Brentford loss forgotten as Bilbao beckons 50:36

2M ago50:36

50:36

Manchester United's terrible run of form in the Premier League continued at Brentford as a VERY youthful side lost 4-3. Alejandro Garnacho had a good day, as did Mason Mount, but it's all a bit 'Groundhog Day' and we're not too perturbed by the result. We will, however, be disconsolate if Amorim's men are not able to defend their three goal lead go…

1
Utd halfway to Europa final after Athletic implosion 47:32

3M ago47:32

47:32

Harry Maguire, we have now established, can do anything he wishes. From ball-winning centre-half, to aerial target man, to tricksy winger... After a nervy first twenty minutes in Bilbao, Maguire (wide on the right) turned, turned again, and delivered the cross which Casemiro eventually headed home. Then came the Bruno show. A nerveless penalty, won…

1
United's Greatest European Away Games 1:00:04

3M ago1:00:04

1:00:04

Ruben Amorim's Manchester United team head to Bilbao on Thursday night for the first leg of a Europa League semi-final that will define this season, but what are United's greatest European away days? From the early days of Best and Busby, touched of course by the Munich air disaster, through the lean years, the Fergie era, and one or two modern cla…

1
Hojlund finally scores as Bilbao looms large 48:29

3M ago48:29

48:29

Rasmus Hojlund remained on the pitch for the entire game at Bournemouth which meant he was able to scramble home United's latest ever equaliser. We talk momentum and social media off the back of a familiar-ish team display at the Vitality Stadium. Next up, of course, it's the most important game of the season, away at Athletic Club. Andy's man in t…

1
The pros and cons of Cunha; Bilbao or bust meets Bournemouth away 45:56

3M ago45:56

45:56

It's a strange time for Manchester United and it's confusing the mood of our podcasters, so much so that Laurie seems to want to get Andy talking about trains... We're so excited about Matheus Cunha that we are comparing him to both Cantona and Messi, but we're also nervous about his recent tendency to fly off the handle. The Athletic's Steve Madel…

1
Back to reality: Wolves win at Old Trafford 54:48

3M ago54:48

54:48

After the Lord Mayor's show. Manchester United returned to earth with a bump on Sunday as in-form Wolves won at Old Trafford. Ruben Amorim blooded Tyler Fredicson; he and Harry Amass acquitted themselves well, but it was another tough afternoon for Rasmus Hojlund. Still, we'll always have Thursday night. To cheer ourselves up, we went back through …

1
United's incredible extra time treble resurrects Europa League bid 45:10

3M ago45:10

45:10

The short version is that Ruben Amorim's Manchester United beat Lyon to progress to the Europa League semi-finals, where they will face Athletic Club. The long version... wow! Cruising at 2-0 after an hour, the team suffered not one but two implosions; the first to take the game to extra time, then another to find themselves four-two down against t…

1
TOTD EXTRA: Old Trafford's Greatest European Nights 55:35

3M ago55:35

55:35

As we anticipate a crucial second leg against Lyon at Old Trafford on Thursday night, with Europa League progress (and the team's season) on the line, we look back at some of the Theatre of Dreams' greatest European hits. From the pioneering efforts of Sir Matt Busby, touched by tragedy, through Fergie's agony and ecstasy, to Ten Hag's beating of B…

1
Europa League the priority as Onana sits out Newcastle defeat 48:41

3M ago48:41

48:41

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 le…

1
Lyon draw 'best result of season' despite Onana errors 46:21

3M ago46:21

46:21

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 an…

1
Worst Manchester derby ever? 'Huge' Lyon match preview 38:48

3M ago38:48

38:48

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 …

1
United and Garnacho frustrated as Elanga pace pays off for Forest 46:33

4M ago46:33

46:33

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 …

1
Are United underdogs for Forest trip? 50:13

4M ago50:13

50:13

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 b…

1
Inside Manchester United's Academy 1:14:49

4M ago1:14:49

1:14:49

No getting away from it, it's a long one today, but we think it's worth it... Join Ian, Laurie, and Andy as we venture inside Carrington to speak to some of the key figures managing player development in Manchester United's Academy. We'll hear from Academy Director Nick Cox, Academy Coach Colin Little, and U18s Head Coach Adam Lawrence at a very ex…

1
Spotlight on Manchester United Women after Villa dispatched 46:16

4M ago46:16

46:16

It's been an 'interesting' time for Manchester United Women in the last two years or so. Big names have left, crowd numbers wobbling, yet the team's performance is impressively robust. Uncertainty remains, though, with Marc Skinner's future unclear, an interim boss, and significant question marks about Sir Jim Ratcliffe's enthusiasm for the project…

1
Mailbag: Ticket prices, transfers, and takeaways 49:10

4M ago49:10

49:10

No game to report on with the international break underway, so we asked you for a fresh batch of queries and concerns. Ticket price rises at Old Trafford is the issue of the week, so we dig a little deeper on that, and we think about famous father and son duos in United colours. There's also, of course, the shape of Ruben Amorim's team and how it m…

1
Hojlund & Garnacho score: Ruud's Leicester dispatched 43:39

4M ago43:39

43:39

Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho were back on the scoresheet for Manchester United as Ruben Amorim's side made easy work of Leicester City. Managed by United legend and recent interim manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Leicester aren't the stiffest test in the Premier League right now, but there are real signs of progress after a difficult spell. E…

1
Fernandes hat-trick fires United into Europa quarter-final 42:11

4M ago42:11

42:11

He's done it again, Bruno Fernandes may not be an alpha captain but as a player he leads by example and steps up whenever he is needed; especially when that stepping up is to a penalty kick. Bruno holds quite a few Europa League records now, but in truth this was a team performance, one that will reassure Ruben Amorim that he can place his trust in…

1
TOTD EXTRA: United unveil plans for new 100k stadium 45:52

4M ago45:52

45:52

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United's senior management, and members of the Old Trafford regeneration task force presented plans for a new 100-thousand capacity stadium on Tuesday at Sir Norman Foster's architectural practice in London. It's a bold design, and one that has drawn mixed reactions from fans and media. We look into the concept, the bu…

1
Protests energise Old Trafford for Arsenal draw 52:00

4M ago52:00

52:00

The pre-match protest organised by the 1958 Group was greater in numbers than most predictions and that energy only served to rev up the atmosphere at Old Trafford on Sunday teatime. Ruben Amorim's tactics were a slight compromise on one or two of his principles, but the deeper defence allowed United to contain and control Arsenal before Bruno Fern…

1
Sociedad draw leaves UEL tie in the balance 49:39

4M ago49:39

49:39

Joshua Zirkzee scored his first goal in European competition as Ruben Amorim's slimline squad earned a draw in San Sebastian, leaving their Europa League tie with Real Sociedad finely poised. It could easily have been a win with Manchester United growing into the game after half-time and squandering several good opportunities through profligate fin…

1
TOTD EXTRA: Mission Impossible? 43:58

4M ago43:58

43:58

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment in Manchester United with INEOS has brought a welcome re-focusing on sporting achievement as opposed to commercial success. Project 150, encompassing Mission 21 and Mission 1, sets out a clear ambition to have the men's and women's teams winning their respective leagues by 2028, the club's 150th anniversary. Does this…

1
Bilbao or bust: Utd crash out of FA Cup 47:41

5M ago47:41

47:41

With European qualification via the Premier League an outlandish prospect, Ruben Amorim's Manchester United had two hopes of making it back into continential competition. On Sunday, two became one. Another dispiriting, disappointing showing saw Fulham defy Bruno Fernandes second-half equaliser to progress to the quarter-finals via a penalty shoot-o…

1
Bruno set-pieces see off Ipswich amid more job cuts 48:35

5M ago48:35

48:35

The r-word has been put to bed after Bruno Fernandes delivered three more set-piece goals (via Morsy, De Ligt, and Maguire), but there was no shortage of drama at Old Trafford on Wednesday night with Andre Onana setting hearts racing again and Patrick Dorgu dismissed on his first home start. Fighting spirit on the pitch, then, but surely a sombre m…

1
Bruno and Ugarte salvage point at Goodison Park 33:36

5M ago33:36

33:36

If you were to try and identify Manchester United's worst first half performance this season you would have a lengthy queue of candidates, but the latest showing at Goodison Park might just be it. In fact, the malaise dragged on for 70 minutes when, possibly fortunate to only be 2-0 down, the team were sparked into life by Bruno Fernandes. The capt…

1
Varane on Ten Hag and club accounts reignite debt debate 48:10

5M ago48:10

48:10

Our normal schedule resumes and we're back on some familiar subject matter, but not before another big interview courtesy of the team at The Athletic; this time, Charlotte Harpur sat down with Raphael Varane and while he spoke in a measured manner he was fairly candid about his time at the club. Manchester United's accounts were published on Wednes…

1
TOTD EXTRA: United’s search for the ideal Amorim striker 35:45

5M ago35:45

35:45

It's the debut of our spin-off, in-depth, discussion podcast Talk of the Devils EXTRA and we're not afraid to dive in head first! Getting goals is the most valuable skill in football and, as a result, strikers are the most expensive players. It's also something Manchester United are really struggling with this season and a likely priority in the ne…

1
Wasteful United edged out at Spurs 49:32

5M ago49:32

49:32

It was dubbed El Calamatico; a clash of two teams falling disastrously short of expectation in the Premier League this season. Unfortunately for us it was Tottenham, through Manchester United fan James Maddison, who found the crucial breakthrough. In fairness to Ruben Amorim's eleven, they had little support from the bench after a series of injurie…

1
Inside United’s player data department and Spurs preview 58:24

5M ago58:24

58:24

No midweek game but no respite; this is Manchester United! It's an epic show with no fewer than three FA Cup round-ups after the senior men and women and the U18s all booked their opponents in their respective competitions. If things aren't going great in the Premier League, it may be even messier in the backroom where more job cuts were announced …

1
Maguire header beats Leicester as Dorgu debuts (on the right!) 48:00

5M ago48:00

48:00

Harry Maguire was the hero at Old Trafford on Friday night as Manchester United progressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup in entirely uncontroversial fashion... well, that's not entirely true. Yes, it was offside, but that's not the controversy we're talking about. What we want to know (as do many listeners) is why Ruben Amorim played his new lef…

1
Window closes with no new attackers: Cup focus to start with Leicester? 41:35

5M ago41:35

41:35

The January transfer window closed on Monday with a new experience for Manchester United fans. The club's restraint in the face of deals they didn't consider good value has been met with a mixed reception by fans. So, with the help of your questions, we assess that strategy, and think about how Ruben Amorim will now address the main problem he has …

1
Another home defeat as Rashford nears exit 48:42

6M ago48:42

48:42

Any sense of optimism that had been building around Ruben Amorim's team was squashed by a workmanlike Crystal Palace who, remarkably, haven't conceded a goal against Manchester United in two years. Were the wounds self-inflicted? Amorim chose to move Kobbie Mainoo, excellent in Europe as a ten, to play false nine and left out both his misfiring str…

1
Mainoo a 10 as Utd sail through to UEL last 16 51:32

6M ago51:32

51:32

Ruben Amorim deployed Kobbie Mainoo in one of the number ten positions against FCSB as Manchester United won comfortably to ease themselves through to the last 16 of this year's UEFA Europa League. A "rotated" starting XI looked like a bit of a gamble from the Portuguese manager, but a cautious approach initially followed by the introduction of mor…

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