The Athletic FC Podcast Summary: "The Preview - Man United vs Man City"
Release Date: April 4, 2025
Host/Author: The Athletic
Hosts: Adam Leventhal, Ann, Ryan Reynolds
Guests: Karl Anker, Sam Lee
1. Introduction to the Manchester Derby
As the Premier League season nears its climax with only eight games remaining, the spotlight intensifies on the upcoming Manchester Derby at Old Trafford. Hosts Adam Leventhal, Ann, and Ryan Reynolds, joined by reporters Karl Anker and Sam Lee, delve into the contrasting situations of Manchester United and Manchester City.
Adam Leventhal: "With eight games to go of this Premier League season, we are focusing on Sunday's Manchester Derby at Old Trafford before we set you up for the other big games this weekend." [02:24]
2. Manchester United's Struggles
Manchester United finds itself precariously positioned near the relegation zone, a stark contrast to its illustrious history. The discussion highlights managerial decisions, player performances, and underlying squad issues.
Karl Anker: "2018 when Jose Mourinho was in his weird cold war with Paul Pogba. McTominay started playing as a defensive-minded midfielder..." [06:12]
Key Points:
- Managerial Challenges: Ruben Amarim faces criticism for his tactical decisions, including the use of Harry Maguire as a makeshift striker [09:53].
- Player Development: Anthony Elanga’s loan moves and overall player misprofiling contribute to United's inconsistent performances [03:37].
- Physicality Issues: The squad lacks the necessary physicality and intensity, leading to defensive vulnerabilities [33:23].
Ann: "The underlying problem is this Manchester United team squad as a whole lacks physicality." [35:30]
3. Manchester City's Fan Discontent and Season Overview
While Manchester City continues to compete for FA Cup glory with a semi-final berth, fan protests have marred their season. Issues with ticket pricing and team performance have led to increased dissent among supporters.
Sam Lee: "There was a protest which involved fans staying on the concourse for the first nine minutes of the game." [12:26]
Key Points:
- Ticketing Policies: Rising season ticket prices and the introduction of resale partnerships with Viagogo sparked significant backlash [12:26].
- On-Field Performance: Despite a strong run to the FA Cup semi-finals, City's inconsistency in the league remains a concern, exacerbated by Erling Haaland's injury [25:45].
- Team Strategy: Guardiola's emphasis on possession and the impact of a reduced attacking threat without Haaland [32:31].
Ryan Reynolds: "I still think they'll be all right, but I don't think it'd be comfortable, especially without Haaland." [36:50]
4. Tactical Analysis and Team Strategies
The podcast delves into the tactical approaches of both teams, examining how United and City adapt to their current circumstances.
Ann: "Ruben Amarin has definitely has a way of approaching some of these bigger fixtures that seems to suit this current group of players." [26:52]
Sam Lee: "He is going to cook something up. But I just think it's always going to revolve around just having the ball." [28:29]
Key Points:
- Manchester United: Focuses on wing-backs and counter-attacks, leveraging limited physicality to exploit spaces [33:23].
- Manchester City: Relies on possession with an emphasis on creating goal-scoring opportunities, though hindered by key player absences [32:31].
5. Key Players and Performances
The analysis covers standout players and their influence on their respective teams' fortunes.
Harry Maguire: Used as a makeshift striker, demonstrating his versatility but raising questions about United's forward options [09:53].
Jack Grealish: City's creative force, whose fluctuating performances are critical in their quest for goals [18:17].
Erling Haaland: His injury significantly impacts City's attacking prowess, raising concerns about their ability to secure Champions League spots without him [25:45].
Scott McTominay: Discussed in terms of his evolving role and the pressure from fans and management [05:22].
Ann: "It's because he's not available. If you want to see creativity and freedom in a Pep team, yeah, okay." [22:03]
6. Fan Atmosphere and Protests
Manchester City's internal fan protests reflect growing frustration with club management and policies, impacting the overall atmosphere during matches.
Ann: "A lot of City fans are thinking, look, you can buy these tickets from the city's official retail resale partners for like 150 quid, 200 quid or whatever." [12:26]
Sam Lee: "There was a meeting about season ticket prices yesterday as well. So the kind of City fan discontent was definitely growing." [12:26]
7. Predictions and Closing Thoughts
As the Derby approaches, the hosts offer their insights and predictions based on the current form and underlying issues of both teams.
Ryan Reynolds: "Sam, I'm just about going to go with City's relative stability. And as long as they don't get the, you know, the Mike Tyson punch in the mouth and the plan goes out the window, I'm gonna back that to be enough." [39:12]
Ann: "I think the team that scores first is probably going to be the team that wins it." [39:33]
Adam Leventhal: "Enjoy the derby if you can." [39:57]
Final Prediction: The Derby promises to be a tightly contested match, with Manchester United needing to address their physical and tactical shortcomings, while Manchester City strives to maintain stability amid key player absences and fan unrest. Both teams have the potential to surprise, making it a must-watch fixture.
Notable Quotes:
- Ann at [22:03]: "It's because he's not available. If you want to see creativity and freedom in a Pep team, yeah, okay."
- Ryan Reynolds at [36:50]: "I still think they'll be all right, but I don't think it'd be comfortable, especially without Haaland."
- Karl Anker at [06:12]: "There’s this very misshapen Ms. Lumpen squad."
This comprehensive preview offers listeners an in-depth analysis of the impending Manchester Derby, highlighting the critical factors that could influence the outcome of one of football's most anticipated fixtures.