The Athletic FC Podcast

Episode: How do Man United build on Liverpool win?
Date: October 21, 2025
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
Guests: Laurie Whitwell, Mark Critchley

Overview

This episode dives into Manchester United’s dramatic away win at Liverpool—United’s first victory at Anfield since 2016—and asks how new manager Rúben Amorim can ensure this isn’t another false dawn. Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by United correspondents Laurie Whitwell and Mark Critchley. Together, they break down the tactical tweaks, standout performers, and the implications for consistency and United’s future under new management. The discussion is laced with honest assessments, anecdotes, and some memorable quotes from both United personnel and the podcast team.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Breaking Anfield Hex and Amorim's Tactical Shift

• Laurie Whitwell highlights United’s adaptability at Anfield, shifting to a direct, pragmatic system that handled Liverpool’s press:
  • “Direct takes out their press and then let's work off the second balls…There were some really nice moves actually in the final third.” (02:44)
• The opening goal exemplified United’s improved movement and Amorim’s willingness to adapt:
  • “With Lammens kicking…they set out their stall. Absolutely…They weren't really contesting the balls in the air. They were kind of letting Liverpool do it for them really.” (03:40)
• Mark Critchley admits he was “surprised” by the lineup, especially the decision to drop Cesko after his goals, underlining Amorim’s flexible approach to opposition:
  • “Ready to mix and match depending on what he expects from the opponent…It was quite a brave move by Amorim.” (04:18)
  • United’s directness: “You still came away from that game feeling that United deserved the result…It was a tactical plan that Amorim put into practice and it worked.” (05:29)

2. Harry Maguire’s Redemption & Leadership

• Whitwell pays tribute to Maguire’s resilience and match-winning contribution:
  • "Maguire’s got this ability, this calmness in those moments to just do what he knows he needs to do. He was a real symbol of that performance." (06:38)
  • Maguire is now “almost a bit of a cult figure, maybe a bit of a folklore figure…He’s not got the trophies...but certainly in that bracket of being a very fondly remembered person for these kind of contributions." (08:44)
• Whitwell recalls Maguire's animated post-goal celebration:
  • “I thought his celebration was hilarious. Sort of going over to Liverpool fans.” (09:19)

3. New Faces: Senne Lammens' Backstory & Impact

• Critchley explores why goalkeeper Senne Lammens is so highly rated, despite being an unknown for many before joining United this summer:
  • “Only had one season as a starting goalkeeper…Rated as one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe based on that one single season.” (10:09)
  • Lammens started as a striker, explaining his unusual knack for timing, including scoring a famous youth header against Real Madrid (11:21)
  • “He’s someone who is completely dedicated to his craft…It was Senna Lammens turning up to do a training session at 11pm at night.” (12:43)

4. Assessing Other Summer Signings: Cunha & Mbeumo

• United’s tactical shape depended on Cunha's willingness to drop deep and disrupt Liverpool’s usual rhythm:
  • “It was like a boxing match…Cunha was essential to that plan working.” (14:36)
  • Notable stat check, live: “It was actually two dribbles against Liverpool…four against Arsenal…maybe numbers don't tell the full story.” (16:25)
• Mbeumo’s aggressive runs and finish set the tone:
  • “So crucial that…United going 1–0 so early…really gave them that platform to play their game.” (17:56)
• On output vs. influence: “He's not scored yet…But you can’t even tell…He’s just playing…he’s just expressing himself and taking on responsibility.” (19:14)

5. Ahmad Diallo: A New Wingback Star?

• YouTube listener question sparks debate: “Is Amad Diallo the best right wing-back in the league, and is he the best United have?” (20:32)
• Whitwell considers candidate Daniel Muñoz but praises Diallo’s offensive qualities:
  • “He only got hooked because of a very harsh booking…He had the beating of [Liverpool left-back] all day long. I think that shows there is scope for him in this role.” (21:10)
  • Context: Diallo’s recent personal bereavement and strong response.

6. Amorim’s Post-Game Perspective & Brighton Preview

• Amorim’s grounded response to victory:
  • “We are the same team that we were 90 minutes ago. The way people see the team is different, but we are the same team. We have a lot to do.” (25:29)
• Next up: Brighton at Old Trafford, a noted United nemesis. Consistency is the challenge:
  • “Brighton have had United’s number…It’s a big task for United to turn it around.” (26:45)
  • "...character to actually bounce back and get a win...is a big thing to bring into this Brighton game." (28:13)
• Mark Critchley contextualizes United’s struggles:
  • “A lot of teams have caused United problems…The only consistent thing really has been that you don’t really know what United team is going to turn up on any given day.” (30:33)

7. The European “Advantage” (or Not?)

• United’s absence from Europe gives Amorim more time on the training ground:
  • Critchley: “It can be a benefit…That is an indictment on one level. But at the same time, it could be a benefit this year.” (37:19)
  • However, fans expect progress to show in the league, raising pressure in a different sense.

8. Off-Field: Mid-Season Friendly in Saudi Arabia?

• Whitwell reveals possible United friendly in Saudi Arabia for financial reasons:
  • “He [Amorim] actually came out and said, yes, we will do it...We know the situation, the realities of the club—we’re not in Europe, so we need the finance, really.” (38:39)
  • The fanbase is expected to “roll their eyes” at the news. (40:04)

9. Boardroom Patience: How Long Does Amorim Get?

• Clip of Sir Jim Ratcliffe (United co-owner) pledging three years for Amorim:
  • “Football’s not overnight...You look at Arteta at Arsenal, miserable first years…” (41:41)
• Critchley doubts real-world patience is ever so simple:
  • “One good result can mean everything’s fine and one bad result turns things the opposite way…But I feel like take everything as it stands, and you’d have to say that at the moment he’s got time on his hands—as much time as any manager at Manchester United can have...” (42:23)
• Whitwell notes: Board wants it to work, support for Amorim is real, but results are the final judge:
  • “I do think they want to give him ample chance to make it work...But it does need results.” (44:53)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Laurie Whitwell, on Maguire’s redemption:
  "He’s certainly in that bracket of being a very fondly remembered person for these kind of contributions and the way he’s fought back from that criticism and scrutiny." (08:44)

• Mark Critchley, on United’s inconsistency:
  “The only consistent thing really has been that you don’t really know what United team’s going to turn up on any given day.” (30:33)

• Rúben Amorim (manager), on expectations after Liverpool win:
  “The way people see the team is different, but we are the same team. We have a lot to do...The goal is always the same.” (25:29)

• Ayo Akinwolere, on Brighton being United's Achilles heel:
  “Why do teams like Brighton cause United problems? Because, look, we’ve seen what they can do at Liverpool. And...then they’re the ones that school you.” (30:09)

Time-stamped Major Segments

• 02:44 – Adaptive tactics at Anfield; United’s direct approach
• 06:38 – Maguire’s match-winning moment and journey
• 09:42 – Senne Lammens’ background and off-pitch dedication
• 14:36 – Evaluating the impact of Cunha and Mbeumo
• 20:32 – Is Amad Diallo the answer at right wing-back?
• 25:29 – Amorim’s post-Liverpool win pragmatism
• 26:45 – Brighton preview and United’s historical issues with consistency
• 37:19 – The silver lining (extra training time due to no European football)
• 38:39 – Possible mid-season friendly in Saudi for revenue
• 41:41 – Sir Jim Ratcliffe pledges patience (“three years” for Amorim)
• 42:23, 44:53 – How much time will Amorim really get?

Tone and Style

The conversation, led by Ayo, is frank, witty, and rich with both tactical insight and playful banter. Whitwell and Critchley blend analysis with personal experience and a simultaneous skepticism and optimism about United’s prospects.

Useful Recap for Non-Listeners

• United’s Anfield win was tactically astute, symbolized by the persistence of Maguire and breakout moments from new signings.
• Manager Rúben Amorim is praised for flexibility but faces the real test: consistency, especially against teams like Brighton that have caused United ongoing problems.
• New faces (Lammens, Cunha, Mbeumo) point to positive recruitment, with Lammens’ dedication and history as a striker standing out.
• Off-field, financial realities may see United play in Saudi Arabia during the season.
• United’s absence from Europe is viewed as an advantage for coaching, but the pressure remains high.
• Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s public patience is noted, but everyone agrees: real patience, especially at United, depends on results.

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