Talk of the Devils: The Athletic FC's Manchester United show

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United's senior management, and members of the Old Trafford regeneration task force presented plans for a new 100-thousand capacity stadium on Tuesday at Sir Norman Foster's architectural practice in London. It's a bold design, and one that has drawn mixed reactions from fans and media. We look into the concept, the build strategy, and the persistent question of how this will all be funded. Sir Jim has been conducting several interviews with media outlets this week and he drew attention with some eyebrow-raising comments about the club's finances and one or two players. Is it just refreshing to have a (co) owner communicating with the public, or can we expect better? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

The pre-match protest organised by the 1958 Group was greater in numbers than most predictions and that energy only served to rev up the atmosphere at Old Trafford on Sunday teatime. Ruben Amorim's tactics were a slight compromise on one or two of his principles, but the deeper defence allowed United to contain and control Arsenal before Bruno Fernandes served up another set-piece special. A draw that felt almost like a win, then, and with "La Real" coming to Manchester on Thursday, we're hoping for more of the same in the biggest match of the season so far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Joshua Zirkzee scored his first goal in European competition as Ruben Amorim's slimline squad earned a draw in San Sebastian, leaving their Europa League tie with Real Sociedad finely poised. It could easily have been a win with Manchester United growing into the game after half-time and squandering several good opportunities through profligate finishing and rash decision-making in attack. But, La Real equalised from the spot and looked much the stronger side at the finish. Might Amorim consider his options for Arsenal with the home leg hanging over that game? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment in Manchester United with INEOS has brought a welcome re-focusing on sporting achievement as opposed to commercial success. Project 150, encompassing Mission 21 and Mission 1, sets out a clear ambition to have the men's and women's teams winning their respective leagues by 2028, the club's 150th anniversary. Does this statement of intent, now public knowledge, help channel the attentions and efforts of the club's staff? And is there conflict with recent cost-cutting measures? Chief Executive Omar Berrada is undoubtedly one of the architects of this scheme and responsible for its execution but what about Sir Dave Brailsford, who has no clear job title at Manchester United, and Sir Jim himself? We attempt to get to the bottom of it all, and assess how likely the club are to achieve their objectives, with Ian, Andy, Laurie, and Athletic Senior Writer Oli Kay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

With European qualification via the Premier League an outlandish prospect, Ruben Amorim's Manchester United had two hopes of making it back into continential competition. On Sunday, two became one. Another dispiriting, disappointing showing saw Fulham defy Bruno Fernandes second-half equaliser to progress to the quarter-finals via a penalty shoot-out. The Champions League may yet save our bacon, but Real Sociedad provide the first of up to four significant obstacles standing in the Europa League route. Hopes for the future may lie with youth, but even that's complicated! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]