The Athletic FC Podcast: The Preview – Man United vs Man City

Release Date: January 16, 2026
Host: Matt Davis Adams
Guests: Karl Anker, Alex Barker, Sam Lee, James Mackey

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the highly anticipated Manchester Derby, exploring the state of both Manchester United and Manchester City ahead of the big clash. The discussion is rich with tactical speculation, insights on key players, managerial shake-ups, and fan sentiment, while also touching on other notable Premier League fixtures. The panel brings together expert reporters from The Athletic to cut through media hype and deliver nuanced football analysis.

Main Discussion Points & Segments

1. Manchester United: Carrick Returns as Interim (02:10–08:04)

Context & Reaction to Carrick’s Appointment

• United’s managerial merry-go-round: After a series of interim managers, Michael Carrick—previously a United caretaker in 2021—is appointed by Jason Wilcox (sporting director), with approval from Sir Alex Ferguson.
• Fan reaction: Karl reports a "tentatively excited" section but emphasizes discontent among those wanting OIe Gunnar Solskjaer or broader change, especially with protests planned against the Glazers and Ineos ownership (02:47).
• Quote:

  “Not all is well in the state of Mancunia.” (Karl Anker, 03:18)

Was Carrick the Best Option?

• Carrick chosen over Ruud van Nistelrooy and Solskjaer due to his ability to command respect, handle media, and offer unity via nostalgia (03:44).
• The aim is Champions League qualification, set clearly by Wilcox.

Tactical Challenges for Carrick

• Identity vs. Personnel: Alex notes Carrick gave Middlesbrough an identity, but United's current squad complicates system changes, especially given a reliance on wingbacks and question marks over width (05:21).
• Quote:

  “It’s going to be very, very tricky given the personnel he’s got. Is Patrick Dorgu going to play as a left-back rather than a left wing-back?... It’s going to take some getting used to.” (Alex Barker, 05:38)

United’s Top Four Chances & Expectations

• Carrick faces a tough opening: the derby and then Arsenal. Realism tempers hopes, but derby matches defy logic (08:04).
• Quote:

  “When it's a derby, expectation goes out the window. The form book goes out the window.” (Karl Anker, 08:27)

Carrick’s System: Play to His Blueprint or Back to United’s Counter-Punch? (08:27)

• Expected: 4-2-3-1 with an attacking fullback and compact mid-block, but derbies may tempt a more pragmatic, counterattacking approach.

2. Manchester City: Press Conference Insights & Recent Form (09:42–14:08)

City’s Perspective on the Derby

• Sam Lee: Pep provides little on new signings (Marqúe) and focuses on unpredictability against new-look United.
• City's mood improved after a big midweek cup win at Newcastle, bouncing back from three PL draws.

Recent Performance and New Signings

• Team Tactics: City were vulnerable even in their win (Alex Barker, 11:30). Semenya has impressed as a new attacking threat but exposes defensive gaps.
• Quote:

  “I’m very high on Semenya... He reminds me of Sadio Mané at Southampton... a wide player of maximal efficiency.” (Karl Anker, 12:23)

Guardiola’s Ongoing Demands

• Semenya has made an early impact, but will still face the intensity of Guardiola’s management.

3. Team News & Where the Game Will Be Won (16:19–20:39)

Manchester United

• Returning attackers: Ahmad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo return from AFCON and are expected to be key, possibly benching underperforming attackers (16:42).
• Key tactical issue: United lack natural wingers; Dorgu’s adaptability at LWB/LB is crucial.
• Carrick’s options: How to fit in Mbeumo and Diallo, and get the best from Sesko.

Manchester City

• Defensive woes: Makeshift defence (Ake, Kusanov, Nunes, and O’Reilly) managed a cup clean sheet, but United may look to exploit their inexperience (18:24).
• City’s pressing: Newcastle created chances by targeting defensive coordination lapses.

Predictions

• Alex Barker: Predicts a 2-2 draw (20:47).
• Karl Anker: (Contractually, jokingly) 2-1 United on the counter, with a set piece goal (20:53).

4. Bookmaker’s Preview: Odds, Betting Angles & Stats (21:07–24:22)

• Man United: Outsiders (12/5) with one win in their last seven; recent poor derby form.
• Man City: Odds-on favourites (5/6), strong away record at Old Trafford.
• Key players bet builder: Haaland (scoring record v United), Bruno Fernandes (creative output), City to win (James Mackey, 22:33).
• Quote:

  “He [Haaland] could have a field day... been involved in more PL goals against United than any other City player.” (James Mackey, 22:33)

5. Other Premier League Previews

Arsenal’s Set Piece Power & Forest’s Struggles (24:30–31:58)

• Arsenal win at Chelsea (3-2) via set pieces; strengths highlighted.
• Jocherez scores, but place in the team is debated.
• Forest’s AFCON returnee Sangare’s potential impact discussed; Sean Dyche’s future questioned.

Chelsea vs Brentford; Brentford’s Overperformance (33:24–38:12)

• Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea: Subtle tactical shifts in winger and fullback roles, possibly offering more attacking unpredictability (33:24).
• Garnacho (Chelsea): An impact sub rather than a regular starter could suit his style (35:12).
• Brentford: Overachieving with little squad depth—injuries could trigger a slide.

Spurs vs West Ham: Managerial Uncertainty & Coaching Additions (39:28–46:28)

• Tottenham: Conor Gallagher’s signing discussed—the issue of sterile ball progression remains unresolved.
• Coaching reshuffles: Both Spurs and West Ham bring in new staff, with speculation around Nuno’s job security.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Man United’s revolving temporary managers:

  “For my own sanity, I call him [Fletcher] a caretaker and Carrick the interim. I can’t be writing ‘interim interim’ in all my copy.” (Karl Anker, 03:44)

• On tactical nostalgia:

  “When you ask Manchester United people what's the quickest way to get everyone on board, the answer tends to be ‘Press the big button that says nostalgia.’” (Karl Anker, 04:40)

• On Arsenal’s transformation:

  "Arsenal now are the best team in the league... keeping the ball at the far end until they score. When they get their first goal, they just go through the gears—it’s brutal at times.” (Karl Anker, 27:02)

• On Carrick’s challenge:

  “The Manchester United squad is quite underpowered. It is Europa League quality to my mind.” (Karl Anker, 07:44)

• On Semenya at City:

  “Pep Guardiola will not need to do the Gordon Ramsay thing with you. You are already a wide player of maximal efficiency." (Karl Anker, 13:04)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Man United: Carrick appointment & fan reaction: 02:10–05:21
• Tactical challenges for Carrick: 05:21–08:04
• Derby expectations & form: 08:04–09:42
• Man City perspective with Sam Lee: 09:42–11:10
• Semenya at City—impact & comparison: 12:10–14:08
• Man United team news & AFCON returnees: 16:19–18:22
• City’s makeshift defence under pressure: 18:24–20:39
• Derby predictions: 20:39–21:07
• Betting preview and stats: 21:07–24:22
• Arsenal, Forest and set-piece dominance: 24:30–31:58
• Chelsea tactical shifts & Garnacho’s role: 33:24–36:41
• Brentford’s form and depth dilemma: 36:41–38:12
• Spurs vs. West Ham, coaching changes: 39:28–46:28

Takeaway: Why This Matchup Matters

The Manchester Derby isn’t just a clash of city rivals but a test of two clubs at very different crossroads. United, amid transition and longing for nostalgia-driven unity, hope Carrick can galvanize a fractured squad and fanbase. City, coping with subtle vulnerabilities and integrating new signings, look to reaffirm their dominance. The episode offers sharp tactical breakdowns, keen transfer analysis, and a candid portrayal of the mental state on both sides of Manchester.

Summary prepared for listeners who want all the insight, drama, and tactical intrigue—without missing a beat.