People expecting too much of Manchester United and Michael Carrick

Rio is joined by Ste Howson and Joel Beya to break down Manchester United’s frustrating performance against Sunderland and why the reaction from some fans has gone completely over the top.

While Ste labels the display “terrible”, Rio pushes back on the idea that one bad performance should suddenly end the discussion around Michael Carrick’s future - arguing that supporters are being disrespectful both to Sunderland and to the wider rebuilding process at Old Trafford.

The trio also debate what United’s squad should look like moving forward, including which players Ste believes should leave the club, the recruitment strategy INEOS are finally getting right and why goalkeeper Lammens could end up winning the Players’ Player of the Year award.

Rio also gives insight into the mentality needed inside elite dressing rooms after Aurélien Tchouaméni was fined for repeatedly striking team-mate Ernesto Valverde at Real Madrid - explaining why arguments between players are often a positive sign and revealing how former Rangers manager Walter Smith actively encouraged fights during training sessions during his time at Manchester United.

There’s also a heated discussion around Bruno Fernandes winning the Football Writers’ Award over Declan Rice and Erling Haaland, with Rio insisting that football awards should be based on performances rather than sportsmanship or narratives.

Plus Rio explains why Marcus Rashford could still be one of the bargains of the summer transfer window, why David Raya may have just won Arsenal the Premier League title and why he believes Arsenal could now be favourites for the Champions League.

And as always, there’s chaos around VAR decisions, bizarre rule change suggestions and a typically fiery debate between Rio and Ste over what Manchester United fans should actually expect from this current team.

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