The Athletic FC Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode Title: Man United's midfield wishlist for 2026
Date: December 2, 2025
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
Guests: Laurie Whitwell, Mark Critchley

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into Manchester United’s ongoing search for a transformative midfielder, both for the upcoming January 2026 transfer window and the long-term future. Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell and Mark Critchley to dissect United’s transfer strategy, the merits of rumored targets like Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, and Elliot Anderson, the reshaping of United’s recruitment structure, and the club’s erratic form. The discussion examines how the club's decisions off the field could define its fortunes on it in the coming seasons.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The January Transfer Window: What to Expect?

Guest: Laurie Whitwell ([02:28])

• January is unlikely to be a huge spending window for most Premier League clubs, including Man United.
• Clubs may act for loan deals or opportunistic buys but, "United could do with strengthening, but I don't think they see January as an ideal opportunity."
• United’s priorities are highly dependent on potential departures and available deals.

Guest: Mark Critchley ([03:44])

• Clubs like Liverpool already spent heavily in the summer and may be restricted.
• January windows typically offer fewer opportunities but “we usually get surprised once or twice as the deadline draws near.”

United's Midfield Conundrum & Wishlist

Guest: Laurie Whitwell ([05:15])

• United’s midfield issues stretch back to Michael Carrick and Roy Keane’s departures: "They haven’t really ever had...a midfield that you would say expresses strength and...is the real heart of the team since that point."
• Summer pursuits included Carlos Baleba, but Brighton’s high valuation stalled the move.
• The shortlist includes:
  • Carlos Baleba (Brighton): Typical no. 6, valued similarly to Moisés Caicedo.
  • Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest): Versatile, box-to-box, and has impressed for England.
  • Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace): Technically gifted, lacks an intense "engine" but can dictate play.
• United’s lack of European football complicates their attractiveness for top talent, but the brand still draws interest.

Quote ([09:21], Mark Critchley):

“Each of them from a United perspective have been flavour of the month...If you’re asking me to pick one, my personal preference? I love Elliot Anderson.”

• All three are young and could anchor the midfield for years, but “that’s why they’re going to cost so much money.”

Who’s Making Recruitment Decisions at United?

Guest: Laurie Whitwell ([12:31])

• The recruitment department is in flux post-Ratcliffe investment; almost all previous heads have departed.
• Current setup:
  • Ruben Amorim (Head Coach): Will have input.
  • Jason Wilcox (Director of Football)
  • Omar Berrada (Chief Executive)
  • Matt Hargreaves (Director of Negotiations)
  • Christopher Vivell (Director of Recruitment)
  • Incoming: Kyle Macaulay as head of scouting, with a background in analytics.
• Final decisions remain collaborative, with Ratcliffe and the Glazers involved at the highest financial thresholds.

Quote ([12:31], Laurie Whitwell):

"If they can get this right it could be crucial. Who are the people actually making that call? ... So a lot of voices. Can they get to the point of picking the right player?"

In-House Talent: The Kobbie Mainoo Situation

Host: Ayo ([16:32]) & Mark Critchley ([16:45])

• Mainoo, once a bright hope, has found minutes scarce under Amorim.
• After a costly Brighton defeat, he was shifted from midfield to No.10 and quickly fell down the pecking order.
• Mainoo reportedly asked for a loan to secure playing time and boost Euro 2026 chances.

Quote ([16:45], Mark Critchley):

"He hasn’t started a Premier League game whatsoever this season...You’re at the point now where you’re going into the January window again, and he needs minutes."

United’s Inconsistent Form: Challenge of Analysis

Host: Ayo ([25:37]) & Panel

• Since the high of beating Liverpool, United’s performances veered wildly.
• Laurie Whitwell ([26:07]): Being analytically cautious is necessary. “If you know they could spring a surprise next week, you have to...not go too hard."
• Mark Critchley ([27:31]): The team’s position is volatile—four points from second and four from 15th. The pressure for “definitive takes” is intense, but the only certainty is ongoing inconsistency.

Quote ([27:31], Mark Critchley):

“They’ve turned so many corners they’ve just gone in circles at the minute...They’ll be inconsistent until they prove otherwise.”

Culture, Expectations, and Amarim’s Leadership

Panel ([31:58–35:23])

• Amorim seen as charismatic and honest with media. With players, he communicates more in group settings, rare for one-on-ones.
• Laurie Whitwell ([32:19]): “There was one answer about Patrick Dorgu ... he kind of has this urge to be honest... interestingly though, with the players, he doesn’t really have one-on-ones.”
• Self-driven intensity and group culture are emphasized.
• Manchester United’s "shirt hangs heavy" on players ([35:23], Mark Critchley); the error scrutiny and expectation are immense—comparable only to a handful of clubs globally.
• Questions about responsibility for underperformance remain: split between manager, players, and even ownership.

Around the League & Closing Thoughts

• Man City’s fragility and Haaland’s chase for a milestone goal ([39:43]).
• Newcastle’s intensity versus a faltering Tottenham ([41:42]).
• United–West Ham preview: A must-win for United to avoid reignited scrutiny, with Jarrod Bowen highlighted as a danger ([43:09], Laurie Whitwell).

Quote ([45:00], Mark Critchley):

“If you took all those games...from [Nov.] up through Christmas to New Year, it’s one of the more favorable runs of any team in the league...This is the point at which you’re looking to kick on.”

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On United’s midfield drought:
  • "They haven't really ever had, you know, a midfield that you would say expresses strength...since [Roy Keane’s] point." (Whitwell, [05:15])
• On Mainoo's struggles:
  • "It’s been a consistent theme for almost a whole year now...he needs minutes..." (Critchley, [16:45])
• On inconsistency:
  • "They've turned so many corners they've just gone in circles..." (Critchley, [27:31])
• On recruitment accountability:
  • "A lot of voices. Can they get to the point of picking the right player?" (Whitwell, [12:31])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:50] – Episode introduction and panel introductions
• [02:28] – How big will January be for transfers?
• [05:15] – Why United’s midfield is the big 2026 story; deep dive on targets
• [09:21] – Which target would best fit United?
• [12:31] – The new recruitment structure at Man United
• [16:32] – Kobbie Mainoo’s situation and future
• [25:37] – Analyzing United’s inconsistency and its emotional impact on fans/reporters
• [31:58] – Amarim’s off-pitch leadership and player management
• [35:23] – Pressure of the United shirt; player and managerial responsibility
• [39:43] – Midweek Premier League previews (Man City, Newcastle/Spurs)
• [43:09] – United vs. West Ham preview and the must-win nature for United

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a comprehensive and candid look at the layers of Manchester United’s rebuild, the complexity of their midfield search, and the ever-present challenges of balancing legendary expectations against reality. Whether debating recruitment structure, player morale, or tactics, the conversation always returns to the need for clarity, urgency, and a vision that has eluded the club for much of the past decade.

For anyone seeking to understand United’s present crossroads and the significance of their next midfield signing, this episode is essential listening, blending reporting rigor with fan-level candor and a bit of light-hearted banter.