Talk of the Devils Podcast: Host, Panel, and Listen

Few things unite Manchester United fans quite like a good podcast. Whether you’re commuting, doing chores, or just need a fix of Old Trafford talk, “Talk of the Devils” has become the go‑to show for thousands of supporters. Here’s everything you need to know about the people behind the microphones, how to tune in, and what they’ve been covering—including the Dan Ashworth saga that shaped the club’s front office.

Host: Ian Irving · Regular Panelists: Laurie Whitwell, Carl Anka, Andy Mitten · Network: The Athletic (part of The New York Times)

The show’s core facts and identifiers line up neatly:

Who is the host of Talk of the Devils podcast?

Ian Irving is the lead host, as stated in the show’s official description on The Athletic’s podcast feed (Acast feed page for Talk of the Devils). Irving is a Manchester‑based journalist and presenter who has been the anchor since the show’s early days.

Ian Irving: Lead host

• Irving guides the conversation, sets up topics, and often moderates debates between panelists.
• He also contributes to post‑match analysis and feature episodes.

According to The Athletic’s podcast page, the show brings “the very best analysis, behind‑the‑scenes stories, and unrivalled insight” — a promise Irving delivers on every episode.

Role of Laurie Whitwell, Carl Anka, Andy Mitten

• Laurie Whitwell is The Athletic’s chief Manchester United correspondent, providing breaking news and tactical breakdowns.
• Carl Anka covers the club with a sharp analytical eye and often handles transfer‑window chatter.
• Andy Mitten, editor of the fanzine United We Stand, brings the fan perspective and decades of Old Trafford connections.

The three rotate depending on the news cycle, creating a dynamic that balances journalism, tactics, and supporter sentiment.

The implication: continuity carries a cost, but for loyal listeners the consistency is the draw.

What is the most listened to football podcast?

No single official ranking exists for football podcasts, but among Manchester United‑specific shows, Talk of the Devils consistently appears near the top of listener charts.

Metrics for podcast popularity

• Apple Podcasts and Spotify each have their own charts, which vary by country and time period.
• Download numbers are rarely published, making direct comparisons difficult.

The Athletic’s broader network — including shows like The Athletic Football Podcast — benefits from cross‑promotion, but Talk of the Devils stands out as the flagship United show.

Where Talk of the Devils ranks

• Third‑party directories such as Podcast Republic (podcast listing) index the show and indicate strong listenership.
• Global Player (football podcast page) also features the Talk of the Devils team, suggesting wide distribution beyond The Athletic’s own ecosystem.

The pattern: when fans search for “Manchester United podcast,” Talk of the Devils is the name that surfaces most often — a clear sign of its reach.

What this means: rankings are fuzzy, but the show’s visibility is consistently high among United-focused content.

What is the most popular Liverpool podcast?

For Liverpool supporters, The Anfield Wrap holds the crown. Like Talk of the Devils, it’s a dedicated club podcast with a passionate following.

The Anfield Wrap as a top Liverpool podcast

• Founded in 2010, it features a rotating panel of journalists, ex‑players, and fans.
• It covers every match, transfer story, and off‑pitch development at Anfield.

Talk of the Devils serves the same role for Manchester United — a daily or near‑daily deep dive from people who live the club.

Contrast with Talk of the Devils

• Both shows are produced by dedicated football media outlets (The Athletic vs. independent collective).
• Talk of the Devils benefits from The Athletic’s newsroom resources, while The Anfield Wrap leans on independent, supporter‑driven content.

The takeaway: whichever side of the North West divide you support, there’s a high‑quality podcast built for your club — and Talk of the Devils is United’s answer.

What happened with Dan Ashworth?

Dan Ashworth became Manchester United’s sporting director in 2024, ending a protracted saga that began when he left Newcastle United the previous year.

Dan Ashworth’s move from Newcastle to Manchester United

• Newcastle placed Ashworth on a long gardening leave, delaying his start at Old Trafford.
• He officially took up the sporting director role at Manchester United in July 2024.

Talk of the Devils covered the story extensively across multiple episodes — from the initial reports to the final confirmation.

Coverage on Talk of the Devils

• Laurie Whitwell broke key details about the negotiations on the show.
• Listeners could follow the timeline through episodes archived on Acast (The Athletic’s podcast feed).

Who is the highest paid podcaster?

Joe Rogan holds the title of highest‑paid podcaster, thanks to his exclusive licensing deal with Spotify valued at over $100 million.

Joe Rogan’s Spotify deal

• The deal, signed in 2020, made The Joe Rogan Experience a Spotify exclusive.
• Rogan reportedly earns between $30 million and $100 million annually from the arrangement.

Most sports podcasts, including Talk of the Devils, operate on a fraction of that budget — but they don’t need a nine‑figure deal to serve their audience well.

Comparison with other top earners

• Alex Cooper (Call Her Daddy) and Dax Shepard (Armchair Expert) also rank among the top.
• Football‑specific hosts rarely crack the global top earners, but that doesn’t diminish the quality of shows like Talk of the Devils.

The implication: podcast earnings are driven by audience scale and platform exclusivity, not subject matter. United fans will keep tuning in regardless of the listenership numbers.

Timeline signal: Dan Ashworth at Manchester United

• 2024 — Dan Ashworth joins Manchester United as sporting director; extensively covered by Talk of the Devils.

What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear

Voices behind the microphone

“The show brings the very best analysis, behind-the-scenes stories, and unrivalled insight.”

The Athletic (official podcast description)

“Welcome to Talk of the Devils, the Manchester United show from The Athletic.”

Ian Irving (typical episode intro)

Where to go from here

For Manchester United fans, Talk of the Devils isn’t just a podcast — it’s a daily companion that makes you feel closer to the club. Whether you’re catching up on the morning commute or dissecting a late‑night transfer rumour, the show delivers consistency, credibility, and a genuine love for the game. For the listener who craves informed, unfiltered coverage of Old Trafford, the choice is simple: subscribe, press play, and let Ian Irving and the team guide you through the season.

Frequently asked questions