Podcast Summary: The Athletic FC Podcast

Episode: Ask Ornstein: Man United's next manager + likely January transfers
Date: January 6, 2026
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
Guests: David Ornstein (Football reporter), Carl Anker (Man United correspondent)

Episode Overview

This episode dives deeply into the turbulent world of Premier League management, focusing on recent high-profile departures at Manchester United and Chelsea, the hunt for new managers, and what it means for the clubs' future. It also covers the rapidly-evolving January transfer market, with discussions on possible big moves, especially surrounding Manchester City, Arsenal, and Manchester United. Listener questions from YouTube add further insight into managerial “fit” at elite clubs, while the hosts and guests break down underlying trends shaping football’s power structures.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Managerial Mayhem at Premier League Giants

(Timestamps: 01:34–10:34)

• Context of Maresca & Amarim Departures:

  • David Ornstein describes the media scramble that accompanies such major stories, likening it to “a police diagram… different faces and they’re all linked in different ways” (02:09).
  • Both Enzo Maresca (Chelsea) and Ruben Amorim (Manchester United) recently left after short stints, despite early promise and accolades.
  • The root causes were power struggles: both managers wanted more influence, hierarchies refused.

    “If I’m supposed to take this club to the next level, I want more say so. To which their bosses have gone: no. To which both of these figures have gone: well, then I’m leaving.” — Carl Anker (06:04)

• Shift in Leadership Structures:

  • Clubs hiring “head coaches” over “managers” (United only recently did this with Ten Hag).

    “The rules of engagement would likely have been set out at the outset… coaches are being asked to slot in. They are not the most important person at the club.” — David Ornstein (09:20)

  • Coaches may give initial concessions for the chance at a top job, only to bristle later at their limited influence.
  • Ornstein laments “the rise of the sporting director” as a key change agents must now accept.

2. The Role of Sporting Directors and Internal Club Chaos

(Timestamps: 10:34–13:10)

• Fan Frustration at a Lack of Transparency:
  • Carl calls for more public clarity from United’s sporting director, Jason Wilcox, following a “quite a big change round” in club hierarchy.
  • Bundesliga clubs are referenced as a model—where sporting directors regularly speak on policy and transfers.
  • Internal confusion persists, symbolized by the Athletic’s ever-shifting “family tree” diagrams of club staff.

3. Who’s Next at Manchester United? Interim and Permanent Candidates

(Timestamps: 13:10–17:12)

• Current & Interim Situation:

  • Darren Fletcher is caretaker, but only likely for a game or two.
  • Discussion around whether to give figures like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or Michael Carrick another shot for the season’s remainder.
  • United will consider a “permanent appointment” come summer, when top names (Tuchel, Nagelsmann, Ancelotti, etc.) may be more available.

• Fanbase Unity & Emotional Appeal:

  “The return of a club legend… could be a way to give everyone a lift. …Zinedine Zidane has had more than one stint at Real Madrid, for example.” — Carl Anker (15:48)

  • Bringing back legends is seen as a possible unifier amid fan frustration and apathy.

4. Open Q&A: The Allure and Pitfall of Top Jobs

(Timestamps: 19:54–25:36)

• Why Take a “Head Coach” Job Without Power?

  • Despite the control issues, Ornstein argues these jobs remain massively desirable:

    “Who would want that job? I could name you about a million people…” (20:25)

    • Financial, reputational, and legacy incentives remain immense.
    • Clubs will not struggle for applicants—rather the opposite.

• United’s Manager Options:

  • Kieran McKenna-style managers (previous United assistant, now at Ipswich) are admired for United DNA and coaching “pedigree.”
  • Huge names—Tuchel, De Zerbi, Emery—remain on the market.
  • Premier League experience is “crucial” after recent outside appointments failed (Ten Hag, Amarim).

5. Chelsea’s Head Coach: Liam Rosenior’s Appointment

(Timestamps: 25:36–29:43)

• Rosenior’s Background and Challenge:
  • Comes from a successful stint at Strasbourg, with previous experience at Derby and Hull City.
  • Faces unique Chelsea hurdles: multiple sporting directors and an often-volatile management structure.
  • His strong communication skills and ability to mold disparate talents could help restore stability.

    “He has more experience… about what it’s like working on the Bluco. …An eclectic mix.” — Carl Anker & David Ornstein (27:05)

  • Contracts (even a new six-year one) mean little if results do not immediately follow.

6. Transfer Window Deep Dive

(Timestamps: 32:03–47:49)

• Antoine Semenyo’s Move to Manchester City:

  • Final Bournemouth match confirmed, then transfer expected.

    “Pep Guardiola is going to have Antoine Semenyo at his disposal for the second half of the season… He’s one of the most productive players… his journey’s great: rejection, setbacks and now success.” — David Ornstein (33:09)

  • Carl compares Semenyo’s trajectory to Sadio Mané’s at Southampton—a multi-positional, press-capable forward.

• City’s Defensive Woes and the Pursuit of Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace):

  • City keen to move due to defensive injuries.
  • Unclear if Guéhi or Palace will agree to deal, as Palace value him highly and other club suitors exist.

    “City are a tough proposition to turn down, but there’ll be strong considerations on his part…” — David Ornstein (37:21)

• Elliott Anderson (Nottingham Forest) Transfer Rumors:

  • City and other giants highly interested, but no January move likely due to Forest’s needs and high price tag (£80–100m+).
    • “All the top clubs like him… but Nottingham Forest have zero appetite to trade him right now.” — David Ornstein (41:21)
  • Carl notes Anderson is likely to be exhausted after a jam-packed season and summer.

• Arsenal’s January Window Outlook:

  • Arteta’s side, currently leading the league, not expected to make senior signings unless unexpected exits occur.

    “I don’t have any information to suggest Arsenal are looking at bringing players in… They have built an excellent and deep squad.” — David Ornstein (45:26)

  • Carl sees no need for further additions and tips Arsenal for a major trophy.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the chaotic news cycle:

  “It’s absolute hell. It’s some way to start the new year for sure… your head spins.”
  — David Ornstein (02:09)

• On manager vs. sporting director:

  “Coaches are being asked to slot in. They are not the most important person at the club, which maybe wounds their pride.”
  — David Ornstein (09:20)

• On Premier League’s managerial market:

  “I really think the managerial market is about to explode in the coming months.”
  — David Ornstein (17:17)

• On United's search for stability:

  “I think it’d be a way to unify a fan base right now that seems quite divided and disappointed.”
  — Carl Anker on Solskjaer (15:48)

Important Timestamps

• 01:34 — Episode content starts: January transfer window, manager drama
• 02:09 — Ornstein on Maresca and Amorim story coverage chaos
• 04:42 — Carl breaks down parallels between United and Chelsea situations
• 09:20 — “Rise of the sporting director” and diminished manager power
• 10:50 — Carl: Why United’s structure baffles even beat reporters
• 13:21 — Ornstein details interim and long-term managerial options for United
• 15:48 — Carl: Solskjaer’s possible return and fan emotional state
• 19:54 — Q: Why would coaches take a job with low control?
• 20:25 — Ornstein’s passionate rebuttal: “Who wouldn’t want that job?”
• 25:36 — Liam Rosenior confirmed as Chelsea’s new head coach; challenges ahead
• 32:19 — Transfer focus: Semenyo to City nearly done
• 36:59 — City’s interest in Marc Guéhi and defensive needs
• 41:21 — City and others hot on Elliott Anderson, but a deal unlikely until summer
• 45:26 — Arsenal expected to stay calm, avoid major January moves

Conclusion

This episode dissects the axes of power in modern football—between ambitious head coaches, interventionist club hierarchies, and fans desperate for stability. Anchored by Ornstein and Anker’s real-time insight and dry humor, it is a must-listen for followers of United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and City. Expect more fireworks in both the dugout and the transfer market before the season’s out.

For further detail or specific questions covered, see provided timestamps above or visit The Athletic FC Podcast archives.