The Promised Land | A Manchester United Podcast

The podcast returns with another run through of YOUR comments and thoughts on everything around the crisis that is Manchester United at the moment. Keep them coming and thank you so much!

Scott Saunders talks over the big topics of the moment; Michael Carrick's future and what's gone wrong this season, whether the appointment was a mistake, the futures of Lisandro Martinez and Bruno Fernandes, the BIG decisions that the club have got wrong and the attention turning to Wilcox, Berrada, the Glazers, Ratcliffe and co., and there's also just some reflection on how everyone's feeling at the moment.

This one isn't too upbeat, but thank you so much for your support!

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Scott Saunders reacts as Manchester United's miserable run continued with a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, leaving Michael Carrick's side hovering just above the Premier League relegation places.

Lisandro Martínez was sent off as United suffered another damaging defeat, raising further questions about discipline, leadership and the team's alarming lack of form.

With the pressure mounting on Carrick and the club's hierarchy, how much longer can this continue? Even while United did enough to take the lead early in the game.

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Adam Joseph rejoins TPL to talk through the latest around Man Utd miserable situation and mull over everything that's happened in the last 10 days.

There's talk on Carrick's future, the question of relegation, lack of decision making, Julan Nagelsmann's suitability and what needs to happen next.

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Michael Carrick has faced the media again ahead of Man Utd's trip to Chelsea on Saturday, and is backing the players to deliver because they've been better in training....

Scott Saunders offers his thoughts on Carrick's comments and looks ahead to the game, picks the XI he would think has the best chance of getting a positive result, and also looks at the irony of Danny Welbeck likely leading the line for Chelsea in the same week it's been confirmed that Benjamin Sesko will be out until January.

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Michael Carrick and Bruno Fernandes have held clear-the-air talks ahead of Manchester United's trip to Chelsea, but is the damage already done?

Bruno was wrong to publicly criticise United's tactics, particularly as club captain. But there's another side to the story: Fernandes has repeatedly been let down by a club that has failed to deliver on its promises, and his frustration is understandable.

The question now is whether his relationship with United has reached the point of no return. Should he start against Chelsea? Has he mentally checked out? And could a January or summer departure be the best outcome for everyone?

There's also a wider issue at Old Trafford. Following another humiliating defeat, United's players and staff have reportedly acknowledged their collective underperformance and promised to put things right. But after months of disappointing performances, words mean very little.

Scott Saunders shares his thoughts.

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Manchester United's decision makers have finally made a decision on Michael Carrick......that he's staying. For now.

Scott Saunders provides his reaction to the news and why it's ultimately a wrong decision barring some kind of miracle. There's reaction to the reports and the lines that have come out of the club in the hours following.

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A frustrated Scott Saunders speaks on the latest (lack of development) at Manchester United with Michael Carrick remaining on the brink of being sacked - though no decision has been made yet.

With Carrick's position untenable, Man Utd's football operation remains silent and apparently....unable to agree on the route forward.

For an operation that promised best in class and that is further from it than ever before, and people in key roles getting decisions wrong - it's time for Sir Jim Ratcliffe to start meddling - with a best in class Antonio Conte available to be hired.

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Manchester United have been humiliated again, losing 3-0 to Bournemouth at Old Trafford in a performance that could spell the end of Michael Carrick's time as head coach. Scott Saunders offers his thoughts on a new low for United, Carrick's future, and what the hell Man Utd can do next - with particular focus on other people needing to leave as well as Carrick when he does - notably Jason Wilcox. Subscribe to the podcast on all major platforms: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePromisedLandMUFC?sub_confirmation=1 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-promised-land-a-manchester-united-podcast/id1582616846 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hS1UG1wGf52m2hcQcEZbH And follow Scott & the show on social media: X https://twitter.com/__scottsaunders IG https://www.instagram.com/__scottsaunders TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@__scottsaunders/ TPL X https://x.com/tplmufc

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Michael Carrick's pre-match press conference ahead of the Bournemouth fixture was different.

He made a point to speak uninterrupted for 5-6 minutes about his thoughts on Manchester United, what it takes to play for them, his feelings and attachment to the club, it's history and the situation at the moment - in what could be interpreted as a last chance to express himself before he loses his job.

Scott Saunders explains why that's his interpretation of what we saw, and why the club now must surely make a change regardless of Sunday's result.

There's a preview of the game and an explanation too about why Bruno Fernandes should be dropped from the starting XI.

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Manchester United are in crisis following their humiliating 4-1 defeat to Como, and Adam Joseph returns to The Promised Land for another emergency meeting about the state of the club.

Has Michael Carrick lost the dressing room? Are the players' conditioning and attitudes contributing to the collapse, and how much responsibility should the manager take for United's alarming performances?

There's also discussion of the financial restrictions left by the Glazers, Jim Ratcliffe's involvement in football decisions and whether Jason Wilcox and INEOS have made an already difficult situation worse.

With Carrick's future increasingly uncertain, attention turns to potential replacements including Antonio Conte, Unai Emery and Eddie Howe. Should United prioritise an experienced winner who can deliver immediate results, or continue searching for a long-term project manager?

Plus, what INEOS need to do next to stop United's season from completely unravelling.

Subscribe to the podcast on all major platforms: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePromisedLandMUFC?sub_confirmation=1 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-promised-land-a-manchester-united-podcast/id1582616846 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hS1UG1wGf52m2hcQcEZbH And follow Scott & the show on social media: X https://twitter.com/__scottsaunders IG https://www.instagram.com/__scottsaunders TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@__scottsaunders/ TPL X https://x.com/tplmufc

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Manchester United are facing another crisis after their humiliating 4-1 defeat to Como, and Michael Carrick's time at Old Trafford looks to be running out.

But when he inevitably leaves, who should replace him? And what kind of manager do United actually need?

Unai Emery, Eddie Howe, Antonio Conte, Fabian Hürzeler and Julian Nagelsmann are all discussed on this episode of TPL, including why Conte might be worth the risk and whether another philosophy-driven appointment could repeat the mistakes made with Ruben Amorim.

There's also a big issue for the club to solve - their tired squad leadership group. Scott Saunders offers his thoughts on how in the world United get out of this hole.

Subscribe to the podcast on all major platforms: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePromisedLandMUFC?sub_confirmation=1 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-promised-land-a-manchester-united-podcast/id1582616846 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hS1UG1wGf52m2hcQcEZbH And follow Scott & the show on social media: X https://twitter.com/__scottsaunders IG https://www.instagram.com/__scottsaunders TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@__scottsaunders/ TPL X https://x.com/tplmufc

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Manchester United have suffered one of their most humiliating European defeats in recent memory, dismantled 4-1 by Como in a Champions League performance that raises enormous questions about Michael Carrick's future.

United were comprehensively outplayed by Cesc Fàbregas' side, showing little intensity, organisation or attacking threat as their winless run extended to seven matches. With the team seemingly going backwards every week, has Carrick now reached the point of no return?

The fallout after full-time was just as concerning. Bruno Fernandes appeared to question the tactical approach, suggesting United needed to be braver and more aggressive in their pressing, while Carrick criticised the players' lack of running and commitment. Are the manager and his captain now publicly identifying different reasons for the same disastrous performance?

Scott Saunders reacts to one of United's worst performances in recent memory.

Subscribe to the podcast on all major platforms: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePromisedLandMUFC?sub_confirmation=1 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-promised-land-a-manchester-united-podcast/id1582616846 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hS1UG1wGf52m2hcQcEZbH And follow Scott & the show on social media: X https://twitter.com/__scottsaunders IG https://www.instagram.com/__scottsaunders TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@__scottsaunders/ TPL X https://x.com/tplmufc

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Manchester United's 1-1 draw at Leeds United leaves Michael Carrick's side with just seven points from their opening seven Premier League games, extending a winless run that stretches back to August.

Three consecutive 1-1 draws against bottom-half opposition have stopped the run of defeats, but have they actually changed anything? Despite an encouraging spell under Carrick towards the end of last season, United increasingly look like a team returning to the same problems that plagued them before his appointment.

There were positives at Elland Road. United showed greater commitment, Leny Yoro and Carlos Baleba impressed, and they produced a well-worked goal. But familiar weaknesses remain: underlying performances, vulnerability from set pieces, players operating outside their preferred positions and questions over Carrick's tactical decisions and use of substitutions.

Where next? Scott Saunders talks through his thoughts.

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Lisandro Martínez has apologised following his explosive comments about Manchester United's leadership, but questions remain about his future at Old Trafford ahead of the visit to Leeds.

After meeting with the club's hierarchy and Michael Carrick, Martínez has issued a further statement acknowledging that his public criticism was made at the wrong time and place. But does the apology draw a line under the controversy, or could the Argentine defender now be considering his future away from Manchester United?

There's reaction to Carrick's latest press conference, including his comments about standards in training and the responsibility of United's players.

Should United now consider phasing Martínez out and moving him on? What sort of transfer fee could the club realistically command, and would selling him be the right decision?

Attention also turns to Sunday's Premier League trip to Leeds United, with a look at the team news, Carrick's selection decisions, a predicted starting XI and the importance of getting a result after another turbulent week at Old Trafford.

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Manchester United are in crisis, and Adam Joseph returns to The Promised Land for an emergency discussion about the growing problems at Old Trafford.

Following Lisandro Martínez's explosive interview publicly questioning Jason Wilcox and United's football leadership, serious questions are being asked about the direction of the club, the standards being set behind the scenes and the growing pressure on Michael Carrick.

Was Martínez right to speak out? Does his subsequent statement change anything? And with another crisis right here and now, how is this moved past on and off the pitch?

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Lisandro Martínez has delivered an extraordinary interview following Manchester United's 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid, publicly questioning the club's ambition, summer recruitment and the decisions being made above Michael Carrick.

The Argentine defender singled out Jason Wilcox and United's football leadership, expressing frustration at the failure to sufficiently strengthen the squad after last season's progress. He also questioned why managers and players repeatedly shoulder the blame for poor performances while those responsible for building the team escape similar scrutiny.

But how justified are Martínez's criticisms? Did INEOS and United's recruitment team fail to provide Carrick with the squad required to compete on multiple fronts? And can Martínez point the finger elsewhere when the players themselves have contributed to such a disappointing start to the season?

Scott Saunders offers his thoughts.

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Manchester City's 3-0 victory over Liverpool should have been one of the biggest spectacles of the Premier League season. Instead, in the aftermath of the independent Commission's extraordinary findings against City, it raised some deeply uncomfortable questions about the integrity of the competition.

Watching City dismantle Liverpool just days after being found guilty of serious financial rule breaches felt like a surreal experience. How are supporters supposed to view their performances, results and achievements while the club continues to contest the findings and awaits the outcome of the disciplinary process?

There's also discussion of the position City supporters, representatives and players now find themselves in, whether the club should continue competing normally while its appeal remains unresolved, and what happens if City ultimately succeed in overturning the findings.

Attention turns to the players who have joined Manchester City despite the publicly known charges and the uncertainty surrounding the club. How much responsibility should they bear for their decisions, and should they receive sympathy if significant sporting sanctions eventually follow?

An examination of why watching Manchester City compete now feels so different, the questions surrounding the club's immediate future and the wider implications for the credibility of English football.

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Manchester United's lack of intensity is becoming one of the defining problems of Michael Carrick's tenure — but is it actually a symptom of something much deeper at the football club?

The inability to consistently play with urgency, aggression and a desire to win is a recurring issue that has plagued United under multiple managers. It's also one of the fundamental qualities supporters expect from their team, and something that could ultimately cost Carrick his job.

But where does responsibility really lie? Does United's culture encourage the standards required to succeed? Who within the football operation is demanding those standards, enforcing accountability and establishing consequences when players fail to meet expectations? And with INEOS now controlling football operations, how much responsibility should the new leadership bear?

There's also the question of what Carrick can actually do on the pitch. If United cannot consistently match their opponents for intensity, can tactical adjustments help compensate? Would a higher defensive line, a better-balanced midfield or changes to the team's structure help mask some of their weaknesses?

Scott Saunders provides an examination of Manchester United's deep-rooted cultural problems, why they continue to undermine successive managers, and what needs to change — both on & off the pitch — before the club can genuinely move forward.

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Manchester United's disappointing 1-1 draw with Tottenham has intensified the scrutiny on Michael Carrick — but are the club's problems much bigger than the manager?

Adam Joseph returns for a State of Play discussion examining United's worrying start to the season, Carrick's position and whether the team's lack of intensity is primarily a conditioning problem or a reflection of the coaching.

Attention also turns to Jason Wilcox and the wider football leadership structure. Does United's recruitment strategy make sense? Would the club benefit from a more experienced director of football, and have the decisions made behind the scenes contributed to the difficulties on the pitch?

There's also discussion of INEOS' Project 150 ambitions, whether United's long-term targets remain realistic, and how much faith remains in Carrick's ability to turn things around.

Finally, a brief look ahead to the Champions League clash with Atlético Madrid and United's chances of getting a much-needed positive result.

Subscribe to the podcast on all major platforms: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePromisedLandMUFC?sub_confirmation=1 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-promised-land-a-manchester-united-podcast/id1582616846 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hS1UG1wGf52m2hcQcEZbH And follow Scott & the show on social media: X https://twitter.com/__scottsaunders IG https://www.instagram.com/__scottsaunders TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@__scottsaunders/ TPL X https://x.com/tplmufc And follow Adam too: X https://twitter.com/AdamJoseph YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrJYl42jBoMgmTCR70pVstg

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Manchester United's disappointing start to the season has raised serious questions about Michael Carrick's future.

Following another frustrating performance against Tottenham Hotspur, there's a growing sense that Carrick isn't recognising, or adequately addressing, the fundamental problems holding United back.

From the lack of intensity and organisation to recurring tactical issues and the inability to control matches, too many of the same weaknesses continue to surface. More concerning still is the apparent disconnect between what Carrick says about his team and what is actually happening on the pitch.

Are United's problems being correctly diagnosed? Does Carrick understand what needs to change, and is there enough evidence that he can deliver those improvements?

Scott Saunders offers his honest thoughts.

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