No Question About That - a Manchester United podcast

#1061 | Manchester United were beaten 4-1 at Como in the Champions League. Ed and Dominic try to make sense of it. United’s pressing does not work; the players asked to lead it cannot do it, and Como passed through United at will. Carrick’s vision for the team is slipping by the week. How much is that on Carrick and how much on a club run by the same people who hired and fired ten Hag and Amorim, with a squad that was barely improved in the summer? Carrick probably won't go yet, though the November break and the January window are the usual moments for change. There there's Bournemouth at Old Trafford this weekend and a manager running short of options. 0:00 Intro: United spanked by Como 4:02 United’s press isn’t working 15:31 Sponsor break 16:50 Ownership 27:21 The game itself: the goals 30:15 Squad and recruitment 40:55 Bournemouth preview 51:18 Wrap-up Sponsor Ready to have an AI that can tackle real work? Try Claude Cowork today. Claude.ai/NQAT Hate the ads? Want more NQAT? For ad-free listening and our…

#1060 | Michael Carrick changed the system at Elland Road and United came home with a 1-1 draw. It was closer to a street fight than a football match for much of it. Ed and Dharnish go through United’s approach and performance, including a back three and Bruno Fernandes pushed out wide. It wasn’t very pretty but at least United matched Leeds for physicality before the second half slipped away. The point leaves United on two wins from 10 across all competitions this season. The question on everybody’s lips is how long Carrick has? More defeats over the next few weeks will increase the pressure on club and manager. Then, what does a growing injury list mean for United’s trip to Como in the Champions League. 0:00 Carrick changes the system 0:46 Leeds away: a proper scrap 2:46 What’s going on with Bruno? 6:37 Fight and physicality, but no football 17:22 Should Carrick be sacked? 26:03 Does Bruno need a rest? 33:24 Preview: United vs Como 42:26 Final thoughts and sign-off Sponsor Ready to have an AI that can…

*Apologies for the dodgy audio on this week's episode* #1059 | Ed, Dharnish, and Daniel open in meltdown mode. Manchester United have two wins from nine and the latest crisis is the fallout from Lisandro Martinez’ criticism of Jason Wilcox. The tactics tell the story. United conceded after 50 seconds at Atletico with five players in one zone and nobody closing down. They had used a 4-4-2 mid-block against Spurs and were pulled apart anyway. The diagnosis is a team caught between pressing high, sitting deep, and dominating the ball. Masters of none. From there, we work through questions around Yoro, Maguire, Martinez and De Ligt at centre-back. Then there’s Leeds’s 3-5-2 to deal with at the weekend and what Como will ask of United next week. 0:00 Meltdown mode 1:35 Pressing problem vs Atlético 5:24 High press or mid-block? 7:51 Spurs: the 4-4-2 falls apart 9:58 Squad building and Carrick’s vision 14:57 Centre-back questions: Yoro, Maguire, De Ligt 18:29 Ball dominance isn’t working 25:00 Predicted XI vs Leeds…

#1058 | Ed and Dominic pick over United’s 2-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid. It was better than the scoreline but still leaves Michael Carrick under pressure. United opened with another defensive blunder but grew into the game, creating some decent chances before losing Leny Yoro to a dubious red card. But defeat is defeat and the noise around Carrick is likely to grow, especially if the run of Leeds, Como, Bournemouth, and Chelsea goes badly.Then post-match, as we were recording, Lisandro Martinez dropped a bombshell! 0:27 Intro: another defeat in Madrid 1:15 Team news, formation, and that opening goal 7:44 The noise around Michael Carrick 15:39 If not Carrick, then who? 21:17 VAR, the disallowed goal, and the red card 25:33 Midfield: Santos, Baleba, and the trade-offs 31:38 Martinez calls out the board: recruitment and finances 50:20 City, PSG, and the cheating debate Sponsor Ready to have an AI that can tackle real work? Try Claude Cowork today. Claude.ai/NQAT Hate the ads? Want more NQAT? For ad-free…

#1057 | Ed and Andy catch up on four straight wins for United Women, which have turned the mood around after a difficult start to the season. 10-1 against Sheffield United, a narrow victory over West Ham, 5-1 against Durham, and a single goal victory over Liverpool. The team’s personality is becoming clearer under Eva Olid. The conversation widens to goalkeeper depth and how a youth-heavy squad is developing. Then there’s a preview of the games in the coming week. Charlton in the WSL, a second meeting with Liverpool in the Players Cup, and the Manchester derby. Read the Barmy Article 0:26 Intro 1:40 New momentum: four wins in a row 5:22 Aggressive press 10:50 Goalkeeping depth 16:38 Crowds, marketing, and the fanbase 19:12 Young players coming through 26:39 WSL picture and City’s charges Sponsor Ready to have an AI that can tackle real work? Try Claude Cowork today. Claude.ai/NQAT Hate the ads? Want more NQAT? For ad-free listening and our weekly bonus show, find us on Apple Podcasts or Patreon. Socials…

#1056 | Ed and Daniel pick through Manchester United 1-1 Tottenham, a game United led until the 92nd minute but in which they played badly for most of the 90. The first half was as poor as anything this season, with Spurs running through United’s midfield at will. One side was moving, the other standing still. Carrick’s changes on the hour briefly changed the game, including a positive cameo from Carlos Baleba. But after Spurs were reduced to 10 men, United went into their shell and produced some more comedy defending. Where does Michael Carrick go from here, especially with Tuesday’s trip to Atletico coming up fast, and a very difficult schedule ahead. Nobody at the club wants another manager change but we’ve seen this film before. 0:00 Match reaction: United 1-1 Spurs 2:15 Squad building and transfers 8:25 Tactical analysis: pressing and intensity 15:50 Accountability and selection 24:15 Baleba 31:10 Red card 40:30 Manager future and fixtures 53:20 Atletico preview and sign-off Sponsor Ready to have an AI…

#1055 | Ed and Dharnish talk about Manchester City's cheating three weeks on from the verdict and with the appeal under way. City's “it was government money” defence falls apart when the government, the sponsors, and the owner turn out to be one family. With club and fan denial hardening, the likeliest exit is a sale, or a vote to expel if City keep fighting. There's some chat about why Financial Fair Play was created in the first place, Andy Burnham and the UAE’s investments in the UK, and what Guardiola knew. Then it’s back to the football with Spurs on Saturday. Sesko is ruled out and Dorgu is injured. Will Cunha play through the middle again, what's the right balance in midfield as Baleba returns, and is there a case for Yoro’s pace at centre-back after his France debut? The episode finishes with Ronaldo’s complaint over his Portugal minutes against Messi’s emotional send-off, and Ferguson’s book tour and what he said about living to see the new stadium. Ready to have an AI that can tackle real work? Try…

#1054 | Ed and Paul pick through the fall out from City’s guilty verdict and conclude this is a geopolitical story more than football. The outcome might well owe more to diplomacy than to Premier League rules. Andy Burnham's situation and UK ties to Abu Dhabi suggest where the pressure is coming from. There’s a long look at the City fanbase: why will so few will engage with the evidence or a reasonable discussion about what’s happened? How did a club that was once the punchline become the vehicle of a state? There’s the damages bill that could run into billions and whether the other 19 clubs would really vote to expel. Could the only clean exit be a settlement fund and a forced change of ownership? 0:00 The guilty verdict 2:54 A geopolitical story 9:42 CAS 2020, six emails and the redactions 15:03 Financial doping 27:18 Why City fans won't engage 30:40 Who's who in Abu Dhabi 39:31 Was FFP ever a fair rule? 47:00 Lawsuits, damages and expulsion 55:36 Can titles be reassigned? 1:02:36 Settlement and getting…

#1053 | Daniel joins Ed to make the case that this was never really a football story: Manchester City's ownership is Abu Dhabi's ruling family operating through the exact same statecraft logic they apply to war, espionage and geopolitics. And that family’s refusal to ever hear the word "no" from anyone. It’s the instinct that produced the fraud itself. Trace the money and the politics: Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth, the family network tying the state, the investment vehicle, the sponsors and the football club into one entity. Then there’s Andy Burnham's startlingly weak public response, read against his own history with City-linked land deals in East Manchester and the UK's broader security and investment ties to the UAE. Pep Guardiola is linked in the same way. His public advocacy on Gaza and Catalan independence is impossible to square with total silence on his own owners' role in Sudan. His City trophies cannot be separated from dirty money and the questions of doping that have followed his career since…

#1052 | Jamie's latest Substack note gets the deep dive treatment: United's newly published loan documents show a real, dated path to finally clearing the $550 million Glazer-era LBO debt. The new notes are repayable at par with no further interest from 10 June 2029, but only if it's tied to a "stadium financing event," with a matching change-of-control clause built to let INEOS take a majority stake without triggering repayment. It’s complicated but clear. Jamie's model puts the realistic cost for a new stadium closer to £3.2 billion once a typical overrun is applied to the headline £2 billion figure, funded through some mix of club debt, owner equity, and external partners. Personal seat licences could plausibly raise several hundred million pounds on its own. The pod opens with City with Ed and Jamie still processing last week's guilty verdict and the Premier League timeline that could produce a sanction within months. Jamie's note mentioned in the pod:…

#1051 | Ed and Adam use the City verdict to talk about reputation rather than punishment mechanics: City's for organising the fraud, the Premier League's for taking eight years and letting itself be outmuscled by lawyers, and Pep Guardiola's, since virtually everything he won at City was built on financial cheating he spent years publicly denying. There's an awkward political dimension: City are owned by the UAE, a UK security and investment partner, and there’s scepticism that the other 19 clubs would vote for expulsion given how many owners have their own business ties to the Gulf. Given that, how might any punishment be constructed and what might be just? On Pep specifically, they trace a pattern running from his playing days through Barcelona to City. His legacy is now inseparable from the fraud that funded it. Then there’s the broadcasters who’ve pretended non of this was happening. Shame on them. 0:27 Intro: 114 of 115 charges 2:32 Reputations in the toilet 4:52 Why spending limits exist 9:27 Can City…

#1050 | Ed and Dominic discuss a momentous day. Manchester City have been found guilty on 114 of the 115 charges brought by the Premier League, after a process that's run more than three and a half years, during which City won six trophies. The charges centre on disguising owner funding as sponsorship income and refusing to cooperate with investigators; no punishment has been decided yet. Expect a long appeals process before anything is actually handed down. So what is the proportionate punishment? Points deductions, transfer restrictions, even expulsion are all discussed as genuine options, though retrospective title-stripping seems unlikely. There's a longer, more uncomfortable question too: how do you separate City's sporting achievements from the financial fraud that funded them, and what does that mean for Pep Guardiola's legacy specifically, given how directly his trophies depended on money the club lied about. 0:26 Guilty on 114 of 115 charges 5:10 What the charges actually were 12:21 Can titles be…

#1049 | Manchester United's full-year financials landed the same week as defeats to City and Brighton and a draw at Fulham. Ed and Jamie's read is that the numbers tell a positive story: record revenue of £677.6 million, operating cash flow more than double what United generated the previous year, and a smaller real interest bill than the eye-catching accounting figure implies. The episode works through where the financial resilience came from: ticket price rises, strong retail performance offsetting lost sponsors. There's the £63.5 million spent on stadium land as the first sign of what United plan to do with the extra cash, and an explainer of INEOS's own complicated, heavily leveraged business, useful context for anyone hoping Jim Ratcliffe can simply write a bigger cheque. The episode closes on ownership: the price floor on a new buyer lifts in 2027, but with almost nobody left in the world both able and willing to pay Glazer-level prices for the club, don't expect a takeover any time soon. 0:27 Welcome…

#1048 | United Women are three games into new manager Eva Olid's reign: defeat to London City Lionesses, hammered by Chelsea, then a much-improved 1-1 draw at Arsenal, undone by a 95th-minute equaliser. Ed and Andy assess Eva Olid's start given the circumstances, a very late appointment, barely any pre-season, no marquee signings. There were some interesting changes at Arsenal, with Andrea Medina's shift into midfield the standout tactical call and performance of the three games so far. Then there's some winnable fixtures ahead: Sheffield United in the League Cup and West Ham in the league, both real chances to record a first win. 0:00 Welcome, Andy 1:05 Draw with Arsenal 6:28 Assessing Eva Olid 13:02 Season expectations 24:01 League Cup 26:35 West Ham preview 28:34 WSL title race 31:18 Wrap-up -- Ready to have an AI that can tackle real work? Try Claude Cowork today — Claude.ai/NQAT --- If you are interested in supporting the show and accessing a weekly exclusive bonus episode, check out our Patreon page or…

#1047 | Another week another crisis? After United’s draw at Fulham, Ed and Dharnish push back on the reaction, arguing the underlying picture (29 shots, nearly 3 xG, more shots and box touches than any team in the league this season) suggests better times ahead. Shifts in fine margins turned this game into a mediocre week rather than a crisis.The real issue is a press that keeps failing because Bruno and Rashford aren't suited to it. Carrick keeps asking them to do it anyway. In possession, the double false-nine setup leaves progression looking attractive, but nobody is actually in the box when it matters. This needs fixing before results turn even worse. They also take apart the widely shared running-stats graphic, arguing it reflects a possession-heavy style rather than laziness, using City's own numbers as the comparison. --- Ready to have an AI that can tackle real work? Try Claude Cowork today — Claude.ai/NQAT --- 0:27 Intro: another United draw 2:38 Is it really that bad? The xG case 5:12 Pressing…

#1046 | United walked away from Fulham with a draw, Mateus Cunha's equaliser cancelling out Lisandro Martinez’ own goal. Fulham were there for the taking though. United had 29 shots, 57% possession, and somehow still seemed very passive when it mattered. No disaster, but yet more points leaking away. Ed and Wayne look back on a performance that felt very familiar. The same tactical patterns are playing out. And the same weaknesses in the squad are evident too. The international break offers a moment to reset. We end with a check-in on Wayne's new book. Ferguson, The Lost Tapes. --- Ready to have an AI that can tackle real work? Try Claude Cowork today — Claude.ai/NQAT --- 0:00 Introduction 1:05 Team selection 15:45 Defence, build-up and player profiles 22:56 Carrick's game model 27:31 Ownership, finances and transfer strategy 35:15 Martinez's own goal 47:14 Verdict on Carrick 50:23 International break 55:07 Wayne's new book and sign-off If you are interested in supporting the show and accessing a weekly…

#1045 | Ed and Dharnish discuss United’s 3-2 defeat to Brighton in the Carabao Cup. United’s heavily rotated side led 2-0 before collapsing, with an increasingly ugly atmosphere at Old Trafford on display. Shea Lacey's goal and a well-worked press that teed up Mount for the second were the rare bright spots in an otherwise chaotic performance from United. There’s already a bigger question: are United’s results this season down to bad individual performances, or something wrong with Carrick's actual game model? There’s no easy answer, especially given how comfortably this same group won games last season doing something much simpler. There's also a discussion of the JJ Gabriel contract saga, with both urging caution about how much scrutiny a 15-year-old should be under. But scepticism that his camp's version of events reflects what United would realistically have offered. They close by previewing Fulham this weekend. --- Ready to have an AI that can tackle real work? Try Claude Cowork today — Claude.ai/NQAT…

#1044 | Daniel and Dharnish review United’s 0-1 defeat at home to Man City. City were down to 10 men for most of the second half after Foden's red card. The goal itself should have been ruled out: Enzo Fernandez was offside and interfering with Martinez in the build-up. VAR waved it all through. United had spells of real control, especially with the extra man, but rarely looked like scoring without Sesko on the pitch as an actual centre-forward. The biggest frustration is Carrick's team selection: leaving Sesko out for tactical reasons left nobody occupying the box. Taking Tielemans off after the goal made things worse by removing United's only real tempo-setter. There's a more uncomfortable argument too: that Maguire and Martinez's lack of pace makes Carrick's front-foot style impossible. One of Yoro or Heaven has to take over. Finally, a look ahead to Brighton in the League Cup and Fulham before the international break. --- Ready to have an AI that can tackle real work? Try Claude Cowork today —…

#1043 | The transfer window smashed Premier League spending records. The real story is how incestuous it all was: clubs buying from each other, squeezed by the same rules and looking to square their own books. United funded their window through a revolving credit facility and not player sales. They sold precisely nobody all summer. Ed and Jamie dig into why, including a wage bill that is about to jump with three new signings, Rashford’s return and Champions League bonuses. Then a full tour of the league's finances: City and Chelsea both bankrolled by relentless trading, Villa turning their squad over for a tidy profit, Everton and Crystal Palace both looking primed for a sale and Spurs spending like a club that's given up on ever being bought. The pod closes on the outlook: United's transfer debt clears over the next 12 months, creating real flexibility next summer, just as Maguire, Shaw and a stack of big contracts come up for renewal. --- Ready to have an AI that can tackle real work? Try Claude Cowork…

#1042 | Ed and Tom discuss United's return to the Champions League, which was a comfortable 4-0 win over Sabah, with the game effectively dead by half-time. It was about all we could ask from an opener like this. Sesko and Dorgu both impressed in changed roles up front and at left-back, reopening the debate over their role in the team. Mainoo and Tielemans continue to look like United's best midfield pairing, with Tielemans's passing already taking pressure off Bruno and Mainoo demonstrating his all round game. There's also a word for the youth team's own win and 15-year-old JJ Gabriel's UEFA Youth League debut hat-trick. The pod closes by previewing a much tougher test: Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday. --- Ready to have an AI that can tackle real work? Try Claude Cowork today — Claude.ai/NQAT --- 0:28 Introduction 1:58 United 4-0 Sabah: the verdict 6:14 Team selection 11:19 Left-back debate: Dorgu vs Shaw 16:21 Cunha, the front line and Carrick's system 23:47 Midfield: Mainoo and Tielemans 42:49…

#1041 | Ed and Dharnish dig into United’s draw with Everton. The buildup through Mainoo and Tielemans was as good as it's looked in years but Carrick’s side lacked any real box presence, with Cunha and Bruno both dropping deep. Defensively, United's press still isn't working, and disconnected lines left gaps that led directly to both Everton goals. How can Carrick fit all his in-form attackers together without sacrificing the buildup that's making United so watchable? Then there’s a preview of a huge week ahead: the Champions League opener against Sabah, then City at Old Trafford, where sitting deeper and playing on the counter looks like the best plan. 0:00 Intro: Everton 2-2 United 2:07 Buildup and central progression 5:10 Box presence and the final third 8:01 Picking the best XI 11:59 Pressing problem 15:39 Goals conceded and game management 19:02 Substitutions and Carrick's decisions 21:51 Champions League draw and the derby --- Ready to have an AI that can tackle real work? Try Claude Cowork today —…

#1040 | United led twice away at Everton through Mbeumo and Sesko only to do a very good job of chucking it away late on Merseyside. Ed and Dan dig into the tension between United's new possession-based approach and a back four that isn't built for a higher line. And there are questions about Cunha's role as a false nine again. Then there's a look ahead to the Champions League opener against Sabah in midweek. The episode closes with author Dan Williamson, talking about his new book on United's 1991 Cup Winners' Cup win, If I Hadn't Seen Such Riches. 0:00 Introduction 2:31 Everton 2-2 United: the verdict 5:06 Structural problems and United's new style 8:17 Team selection: Cunha, Bruno 18:56 Goals and defensive errors 23:08 Substitutions and game management 25:02 Bigger picture 28:25 Sabah preview, Champions League 36:02 1991 Cup Winners' Cup memories 39:45 Interview: Dan Williamson If you are interested in supporting the show and accessing a weekly exclusive bonus episode, check out our Patreon page or…

#1039 | United's transfer window closed with Dominic and Ed landing on a mixed verdict, somewhere around a six out of ten. United made three good midfield signings, but no left-back and no backup centre-forward. Who's going to fill the gap? How much financial headroom was there to spend more? And why were United cautious? Deadline day itself produced a bizarre five-way standoff between United, Everton, Chelsea, Fiorentina and Monaco over Zirkzee, Camara and Balogun that ended with nobody getting what they wanted. The pod then moves on to Everton, where the fanbase is angry and the manager is on their side. United should be favourites, but how will the visitors shape up after last week’s victory? 0:00 Introduction 1:45 Verdict on United's window 3:55 Costs and financial headroom 9:23 United's left-back problem 16:35 Zirkzee-Camara-Balogun standoff 21:11 Loans out 29:48 Everton preview 41:28 Wrap-up --- Ready to have an AI that can tackle real work? Try Claude Cowork today — Claude.ai/NQAT --- If you are…

#1038 | Ipswich made a real go of it for a half, evading United's high press by exploiting isolated full-backs. Once Lisandro Martinez started dictating United's patterns of possession into midfield, the game opened up completely and United ran away with it. Ed and Dharnish dig into why United's press still isn't functioning, how much of the transformation in build-up play comes down to Martinez specifically and how well Mainoo and Tielemans dovetailed. They also look at Cunha and Bruno rotating as false nines, question whether it costs United a real box presence and close with a positive verdict on Ipswich as a team for the rest of the season. 0:00 Intro: United 5-2 Ipswich 3:46 Today's talking points 4:29 How Ipswich evaded United's press 9:59 Martinez transforms the buildup 13:42 Mainoo and Tielemans in midfield 19:30 Cunha and Bruno: two false nines 24:43 Verdict on Ipswich and the wrap-up --- Ready to have an AI that can tackle real work? Try Claude Cowork today — Claude.ai/NQAT --- If you are…

#1037 | United trailed to Ipswich for a moment, but a hat-trick from Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire’s deflected effort and a Bryan Mbeumo goal turned it into a 5-2 win. It was a complete response to the opening-day defeat at Hull. Ed and Dan dig into the bigger picture: how well the Tielemans-Mainoo midfield pairing worked, the ongoing debate over Marcus Rashford's role, and the club’s search for a new left-back. The pod closes on the transfer window with two days left: there’s scepticism about Villa's reported £40 million interest in Amad and a general sense that United’s could have been more ambitious than a net spend that trails Coventry and Ipswich. 0:00 Introduction 1:06 Reacting to United's 5-2 win 5:39 Midfield: Tielemans and Mainoo 14:40 Marcus Rashford's return 17:46 Front three, fullbacks and squad balance 22:58 Defence concerns: Maguire, Martinez, Shaw 25:04 Bruno's hat-trick and Maguire's 'goal' 27:20 Pressure, tactics and pressing 29:28 Transfer market: Amad bid and left-back hunt 39:44 Baleba,…

#1036 | Ed and Dominic analyse United’s Champions League return. It’s a tough-looking draw with Bayern, Roma, and RB Leipzig at home. Then some cracking away ties in top European travel destinations. From there it's on to the run-in to transfer deadline day, where the expectation is that a left-back arrives. Probably not the marquee name everyone's been hoping for. There’s also a wider question about why United never seem to be able to sell anyone for a decent fee. There's a proper rant about the ex-United pundit circuit and how relentlessly negative it's become. It’s to the detriment of the club not its benefit. The pod finishes with a preview of Ipswich at home and why this one matters more than it should after Hull. 0:00 Intro 0:52 Champions League draw circus 2:19 United's opponents: Bayern and Atlético 5:40 Sporting, Villarreal and the rest of the draw 13:00 League phase maths 15:25 Tactics: possession vs counter-attacking 18:29 Left-back search 27:03 Why United can't sell players 35:05 Ex-United pundit…

#1035 | Ed and Dharnish break down United's 2-0 defeat at Hull on the tactics show. Some of this was physical. Four starters had played one 90 or fewer all pre-season, and the lack of sharpness showed. But a lot of it was tactical too. Why was Bruno under-par and has the reaction been over the top? How do Tielemans and Bruno better dovetail in future? What were United doing with their possession game? How did Hull force United wide and into playing aimless crosses? Why are United having problems with physicality and aerial duels? There’s a cautiously optimistic look ahead to Ipswich: trust the system, cut down the aimless crossing and give the new midfield time to settle. 0:00 Intro and agenda 1:28 First reactions: bullied by Hull 3:43 Bruno Fernandes' performance 9:28 Hull forcing United wide 17:28 Solutions: overloads and switches 20:53 Aerial duels and United's size problem 23:06 How much should we panic? 25:59 Outro --- Ready to have an AI that can tackle real work? Try Claude Cowork today —…

#1034 | Ed and Jamie look at Jeff Bezos buying into Liverpool, a deal that values the club at around £5.5 billion for a consortium stake of just under 40%. Why is Bezos getting involved now? Can an Amazon-owned media empire buy into a Premier League club without creating a conflict of interest for future TV rights deals? And how does it compare to United's own ownership structure? On United specifically, spend so far this summer sits at £135 million gross. What does that mean for United's SCR position? And why loaning Marcus Rashford out doesn't actually help United's finances despite the noise around it. The second half of the pod covers the wider transfer market: Tottenham's spending after two bottom-third finishes, Chelsea's need to sell under their settlement agreement, and a longer discussion of whether the squad cost ratio is fair on clubs like Newcastle and Villa. The answer, broadly, is that it isn't as unfair as often claimed. 0:00 Intro2:13 Bezos Liverpool consortium10:16 Amazon, media rights and…

#1033 | Ed and Wayne react to United's 2-0 opening-day defeat at Hull. United's poor performance breaks down into three causes: a tactical selection that didn't suit the game, a fitness gap after a staggered pre-season, and basic failure to finish chances or clear the two set pieces Hull scored from. Then there are the players. Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw remain trusted by Carrick but is their time in the team now coming to a natural end? A wider structural problem persists too; every forward likes to tuck inside, leaving nobody offering width except from full-back, which is a problem too. Then there's the tendency, called out by Bruno Fernandes, for United to play vertically when Carrick is building a side for possession. Marcus Rashford, who set up United's best chance off the bench, gets a long section of debate. Ipswich at Old Trafford is up next. 0:00 Introduction: Hull defeat and the overreaction 2:15 Analysing the defeat 7:15 Set pieces and preparation 11:25 System evolution 16:50 Maguire and Shaw…

#1032 | Ed and Dharnish preview the season with a focus on how United’s tactics are evolving under Michael Carrick. The pattern in pre-season has been more possession, more central possession, and an emphasis on third-man runs. Where Carlos Baleba fits is still unclear: he's more carrier than passer, so the assumption is someone else, Kobbie Mainoo or Youri Tielemans, drops in to start moves while Baleba operates further forward. The bigger worry is pressing. Pushing fullbacks and forwards higher creates gaps between midfield and defence, and neither Bruno Fernandes nor Marcus Rashford presses well enough to close them, though Baleba's mobility should help cover the space. Up front, the squad is deep enough that losing Benjamin Sesko to injury or rotation shouldn't be a big problem, with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and a returning Rashford all able to play through the middle. 0:00 Introduction and season preview 1:26 What's on the show today 2:20 More possession and central progression 4:12 Third man runs…

#1031 | Ed and Adam talk about United's move for Carlos Baleba, a deal likely to land in excess of £65 million. It’s the right profile for United, even if Baleba’s poor season last year presents a risk. He's a front-foot, ground-covering midfielder that should combine well with United’s other midfielders and solve some specific problems. The deal takes United's spend on midfielders this summer to around £150 million across Tielemans, Santos and Baleba. It’s a strong midfield rebuild even if United are still a bit short elsewhere. Left-back remains the outstanding piece of business before the window closes. The pod closes with a preview of Hull away this weekend as United look for a strong start to the new season. 0:00 Introduction 1:42 Baleba: role and player profile 6:19 Midfield pairings 11:10 Pressing, transitions and defensive cover 12:55 Left-back hunt 15:04 Deal timing and transfer strategy 21:54 Rating the midfield rebuild 31:46 Zirkzee and Rashford: squad business 36:07 Hull preview and Championship…

#1030 | Ed and Wayne are back for the season preview after a mixed pre-season: two wins from six and a 4-2 defeat to Milan in the last match. Neither is panicking about that result specifically, but it exposed problems that were already there. The defence is the biggest concern. Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire remain first choice and neither has the legs for a higher, more front-foot approach, while Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt can't be relied on for fitness. Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro have the potential to solve those problems but it’s a big ask for two young players. There’s a different problem in midfield: plenty of technical quality in Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, not enough physicality to handle the games that get scrappy. United need two more signings before deadline day, a genuine upgrade at left-back and a proper ball-winner in midfield, to have a real shot at matching last season's third-place finish. Without them, expect some regression with a much busier schedule. They finish with a…

#1029 | A manager out, a manager in, and a word the club would very much like everyone to start using? Ed talks to Andy Slater of the Barmy Article fanzine about Marc Skinner's exit and Eva Olid's arrival at United Women. What's Skinner's legacy after 5 years? A first major trophy in the 2024 FA Cup, four cup finals and a Champions League quarter-final, all on roughly the fourth biggest budget in the league. Also plan A football with no plan B, and a personality that split the fanbase down the middle. Olid arrives with just four weeks until kick-off, fresh from a first-ever SWPL title at Hearts. Catalan coaching philosophy, five years in Scotland, and a record of developing young players on a small budget. A strong profile, or a job description written by United's finance department? Then to the summer market. Melvine Malard to Chelsea for a club-record fee, Galton, Turner, Blundell, Naalsund and George all gone, Medina and Leitzig in. The club's briefing is sustainability. Finally the academy, where Layla…

#1028 | A new head coach, a new fan zone, and a transfer market on hold? Ed and Wayne talk about United's new Women's team coach, Eva Olid, who has joined after Marc Skinner's exit. What is Skinner's legacy after 5 years at the club? He achieved Champions League qualification and won the FA Cup, despite restrictions on the club's budget. And yet, there won't be too many tears shed for a manager who rubbed a lot of players and fans up the wrong way with his personality. Olid arrives on a deal to June 2028, fresh from a first-ever SWPL title at Hearts last season. Her record with young players inside a small budget is a strong coaching profile but it also sounds like a job description written by United's finance department. Then on to the club's relationship with fans. The new Paddock fan zone will welcome 1,300 fans just behind the Stretford End, opening in the autumn subject to planning approval. Is this cynical profiteering by the club or an attempt to boost the match day atmosphere? At a time when the club…

#1027 | Ed and Dom pull three stories into one. FIFA wants to privatise itself, United want fewer season ticket holders and £100m no longer seems like a lot of money in the transfer market. Gianni Infantino's plan was to privatise FIFA's commercial entity and sell a stake to private equity. If he gets his way we'll see World Cups and Club World Cups every summer. Old Trafford's crackdown on season ticket holders is part of the same movement. United are cancelling season tickets over what the club calls touting. Fans say it's nonsense. Fewer season ticket holders, and dynamic pricing on the way? Meanwhile, Chelsea have spent £117m on Morgan Rogers while operating under a UEFA settlement. Spurs have blown £185 million on two midfielders. City are lining up another £100 million midfielder they may loan out. United have done very little. Kids on the way out? Harry Amass and Radek Vitek are reportedly available for sale. Four friendlies remain: Atlético Madrid, PSG, Leeds and Milan. World Cup players are…

#1026 | Ed and Dharnish talk about the evolution of United’s tactics this season. What evidence have wee seen after two pre-season games, albeit with continuing player absences after the World Cup? What impact has Andrey Santos on the side, what does Youri Tielemans capture mean, what changes are likely to United’s in-possession game as a result? Then the gaps: why do United need another midfielder, can the club strengthen at fullback, and if Marcus Rashford returns, what impact might it have? 00:00 The Tactics Show 00:26 Intro and Preseason 04:49 Playing Style 16:41 Fullback Situation and Squad Depth 21:44 Marcus Rashford's Future 31:19 Youth Prospects and Defenders 32:08 Athletico Madrid Preview 34:40 Wrap Up and Transfer Market Outlook If you are interested in supporting the show and accessing a weekly exclusive bonus episode, check out our Patreon page or subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Supporter funded episodes are ad-free. NQAT is available on all podcast apps and in video on YouTube. Hit that subscribe…

#1025 | Adam and Ed pick over United’s pre-season defeat to Wrexham in Helsinki. Can we learn anything from 45 minutes of action? At least there was a first look at new signing Andrey Santos. Then an XI made up of reserves played out an entertaining second half without finding the net. Then there’s a crazy match for third place in the World Cup, with England beating France 6-4. Kobbie Mainoo was injured and didn’t feature. The only outfield English player not to get any minutes at the tournament. Finally, with Morgan Rogers moving to Chelsea for an eye-watering £117 million, can United find any value for money as they search for a third midfield signing and other players to fill out the squad. 00:00 Open 00:51 Catching Up with Adam 04:07 England, Helsinki and United's Preseason Opener 08:25 Takeaways 12:08 Transfer Market Outlook 15:23 Coaching Staff Questions 22:20 World Cup Third-Place Playoff and England Review 49:55 Transfer Fees and Chelsea's Spending If you are interested in supporting the show and…

#1024 | Ed and Daniel pick over the wreckage of England's World Cup, and neither is in a forgiving mood. The charge is that Thomas Tuchel did not just lose the semi-final, he threw it away. From the squad he built for one way of playing, the ball-players left at home, and a midfield of athletes with nobody to control a game, which is why the calls for Kobbie Mainoo only grew louder all tournament. On the match itself, England managed the first 55 minutes well and shut Messi out before Tuchel took off his goalscorer, went to a back five and codified a retreat so complete that England managed two accurate passes in 18 minutes. It’s a sacking offense, but the FA, who backed Tuchel on LinkedIn within the hour and tied him to Euro 2028, will do nothing. Then there’s Kane's future and the lack of a successor, England's missing identity and the intensity gap with everyone else, and to close, a turn to United, Carrick's project, summer signings, and a pre-season that kicks off against Wrexham in Helsinki. 0:00 Intro…

#1023 | Ed and Dharnish react to Manchester United signing Youri Tielemans for around £35m, praising the club’s stealthy, leak-free approach. Tielemans offers outstanding value given his versatility, progressive passing and decent defensive work. How will Tielemans and Andre Santos fit a more controlled, central build-up style? And do United still need a third “ground-eater” midfielder? The conversation then shifts to the World Cup: ticket price chaos, England’s exhausting win over Norway, and a preview of England vs Argentina and France vs Spain in the semis. 00:00 Tielemans Signs for United 02:28 Playing Style & Fit 15:37 Transfer Market and Midfield Plans 22:49 Who's Next: Midfield Ground Eater 24:36 World Cup Preview 43:05 Predictions If you are interested in supporting the show and accessing a weekly exclusive bonus episode, check out our Patreon page or subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Supporter funded episodes are ad-free. NQAT is available on all podcast apps and in video on YouTube. Hit that subscribe…

#1022 | Ed and Jamie discuss United’s Old Trafford redevelopment plans, with the development corporation report into the wider area regeneration project published this week. We go through the likely financing mix: debt, naming rights, personal seat licences, private equity, event partnerships. How will this massive project impact United’s finances, revenues and ability to compete? Then we switch to transfer talk, focusing on conflicting reports around the deal for Ederson and United’s capture of Andrey Santos from Chelsea. 00:00 Introduction: New Trafford Stadium Financing 02:07 Financing Overview 19:04 Naming Rights 21:48 Equity Partners and Ownership 25:28 Transfer Market: Ederson Saga, Andrey Santos 30:18 Chelsea's Financial Model 35:27 Private Equity in Football 37:09 Wrap-up If you are interested in supporting the show and accessing a weekly exclusive bonus episode, check out our Patreon page or subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Supporter funded episodes are ad-free. NQAT is available on all podcast apps and…

#1021 | Ed and Dan discuss United’s expected £50m signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea, weighing fan reactions, Santos’ strengths, and questions about his best role in the team. But the broader midfield rebuild this summer still lacks an elite, established number six, with top targets like Aurélien Tchouaméni unavailable after renewing his contract at Real Madrid, and alternatives such as Alex Scott, Lamine Camara and Carlos Baleba carrying various degrees of risk. The conversation then shifts to the World Cup: criticism of Roberto Martínez’s Portugal, Ronaldo’s influence, and England’s tournament so far, including frustration at Kobbie Mainoo not playing and a preview of England vs Norway. And what of Marcus Rashford’s uncertain future after the tournament ends? 00:00 Intro and England at the World Cup 03:32 Andrey Santos Signs for United 14:15 The Search for a Unicorn Number Six 16:47 Weighing Up Alex Scott and Baleba 20:19 Michael Carrick's Playing Career 28:07 Tchouameni's New Real Madrid Deal 34:22…

#1020 | Ed and Dominic discuss Spurs spending close to £100m on Sandro Tonali and £85m on Matheus Fernandes, triggering online Manchester United fan panic, while United’s only move to date is the deal for Ederson. Is this smart transfer market strategy from Spurs, or are they overpaying out of desperation? Meanwhile, United still need multiple midfielders, especially with an injury to Ugarte at the World Cup following Casemiro’s exit. Then there's England's game against DR Congo at the World Cup. It was another flat England performance, with Kobbie Mainoo still yet to see any minutes and Marcus Rashford frustrating. And while we're talking about Rashford, where does his future lie? The episode ends with talk of United’s new stadium master plan, land purchases, and potential redesign away from the tent. 00:00 Intro and World Cup Catch-up 02:53 United's Midfield Transfer Freakout 14:22 United's Search for Midfielders 22:53 England's World Cup Performance 31:07 Marcus Rashford Future 33:39 England vs Mexico…

#1019 | Ed and Dharnish review the World Cup group stage through a tactical lens and preview the knockout stages. There’s England’s surprisingly slow play, lack of central connection, and concerns around the wingers ahead of DR Congo. Portugal have got plenty of issues as well, both structural and those from an overly static Ronaldo. Then there’s Argentina, who have the best midfield rotations and multiple elite progressive passers. France are praised for abundant attacking talent and smart in-game tweaks, Spain for using fullbacks to pin defences and free up Yamal, and Brazil for smart in-game adjustments. There's also a word for the host-nation energy, tactical impact of hydration breaks, and how refereeing changes have changed the game. 00:00 Intro and World Cup Vibes 01:27 England 10:58 Portugal 15:59 Argentina 20:39 France 25:17 Spain 29:15 Brazil 33:53 Germany and Other Nations 37:40 Refereeing If you are interested in supporting the show and accessing a weekly exclusive bonus episode, check out our…

#1018 | Ed and Dan on United's step towards a new Old Trafford after the club bought 25 acres next door. Should United move? And if it's inevitable, can the club keep its history and avoid another concrete bowl? On the money, a warning against the simple version: this will be structured, debt, equity, naming rights and personal seat licences, not one clean option. Then transfers: André Onana's loan to Trabzonspor confirmed, the midfield rebuild stalling, £40m on Ederson, hot competition for Mateus Fernandes, and a question mark over Aurélien Tchouaméni. The World Cup closes out the show, with underdogs entertaining while England's balance, selection and struggle against Ghana's low-block all come under fire. 00:00 Introduction 01:56 New Stadium Debate 03:01 Old Trafford: Heritage vs Progress 04:08 Stadium Financing 19:01 Transfer Window: Midfield Rebuild 21:33 Fernandes and Spending Strategy 38:14 World Cup, England, Group Stages If you are interested in supporting the show and accessing a weekly exclusive…

#1017 | It might be the World Cup, but Ed and Jamie talk football finance with Manchester United refinancing $425m of bonds - replacing them with a $550m private placement. Gross annual interest is up, but with the maturity pushed out and some expensive rolling debt replaced, the impact on United’s bottom line isn’t as serious as some reports. From there, there’s some speculation about how the refinancing impacts the new stadium and what United are likely to do on that front. Then the Bloomberg report that some of the Glazers may sell: the control mechanics, the 2027 clauses, and why outside institutional money sits more comfortably in a stadium vehicle than in the club itself. Finally, Amazon's All or Nothing closes the discussion, its marketing upside against the familiar PR risk. 00:00 Intro and World Cup chat 02:26 United's refinancing 12:46 Stadium financing 18:29 Glazer ownership and a possible sale 29:05 Amazon's All or Nothing 35:13 Transfers and Amorim’s payoff If you are interested in supporting…

#1016 | Ed and Wayne talk about England's win over Croatia, in which a wobbly first half was followed by a much stronger second. Tuchel’s substitutions, a standout performance from Jude Bellingham, and a Marcus Rashford goal all helped England pick up three points. But is the balance in midfield right and how will heat and humidity impact the team in the coming games? Beyond England, Ed and Wayne have been enjoying the expanded tournament, the performance of smaller nations and new refereeing standards. The revived Messi vs Ronaldo debate gets short shrift though! Then a quick touch on United: players who are performing well in the World Cup, a new Amazon documentary is announced, and there's a new book and podcast series by Wayne. 00:00 England v Croatia, the opener 08:17 Rice, Bellingham and Anderson 16:14 Harry Kane and England's depth 20:19 Messi, Ronaldo and records 25:27 48-team expansion and format 27:27 Refereeing and VAR 34:57 United players at the World Cup 38:33 Transfers and the Amazon…

#1015 | Ed and Dharnish continue the World Cup preview, working through the groups with the United-related storylines front and centre. There are players, past and present, in across the World Cup groups: Casemiro, Ederson and Matheus Cunha with Brazil, alongside Morocco's Noussair Mazraoui and Sofyan Amrabat; Scotland's Scott McTominay and late call-up Tyler Fletcher; Turkey's reserve keeper Altay Bayindir; Ivory Coast's Amad; a cluster of ex-United names in the Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia and Sweden groups such as Depay, Weghorst, Hannibal, Lindelöf, and Elanga; Belgium's Lukaku; Portugal's Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Cristiano Ronaldo; Argentina's Lisandro Martínez. The show ends with a deeper dive into England with some interesting choices made by Tuchel already. Will it pay off? Then there are some predictions. Terrible ones, no doubt. 00:00 Intro 04:41 Group A 05:42 Group B 06:35 Group C 12:33 Group D 15:30 Ad Break 1 15:48 Group E 19:25 Group F 22:20 Group G 26:16 Group H 29:28 Group I 34:53…

#1014 | Ed and Tom look past the football at the expanded 2026 World Cup in the US. The focus is the off-pitch mess: visa and border problems, geopolitical tension, and reports of players and staff held for long stretches at US border control. Bans restricting fans from certain countries sit awkwardly against the tournament's "welcome the world" branding, and the gap between the message and the environment gets a hard look. Ticketing comes in for the heaviest criticism. FIFA's high, dynamically priced model and its resale marketplaces amount to legalised touting, with fees stacked on top. The result might well be uneven pricing and stadiums that sit half empty. Player welfare closes things out. Heat and humidity, water breaks that double as ad slots, and pitches rolled out over NFL turf all point to conditions built for revenue rather than the people on the field. Behind it sits FIFA's $13bn revenue target and Infantino's grip on the money through FIFA Forward. 00:00 Introduction 03:52 Geopolitics and Iran…

#1013 | Ed and Dominic discuss United’s deal to sign midfielder Ederson from Atalanta for around £35m plus add-ons. There’s been a muted reaction from fans but his standout physicality and counter-pressing should offer something the squad is missing, although concerns about his limited inventiveness in passing are fair. A useful squad option if United add two more midfielders, with Matheus Fernandes also progressing. There are rumors of United’s interest in Lewis Hall and Marcus Rashford has an uncertain future amid Barcelona’s spending. Finally, 12 United players will be going to World Cup and another 20 or so players and coaches have United connections. 00:00 Ederson Signs! 03:55 Analysing Ederson's Traits 08:10 Arsenal, PSG and the Rivalry 15:55 Matteus Fernandes 20:50 Lewis Hall 24:30 Rashford, Barcelona and Finances 33:29 World Cup Preview: United Connections 34:58 Football Shirts, Kickoff Times and Wrap If you are interested in supporting the show and accessing a weekly exclusive bonus episode, check…

#1012 | Ed and Dharnish conclude their tactical review of the season, focusing on Michael Carrick’s interim spell at United. Carrick’s appointment mean no return for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and quickly produced results, with a focus on pragmatic but front-foot football. Carrick immediately installed a 4-2-3-1 system, highlighted by compact defending, fast transitions, plus one- and two-touch combinations in tight spaces. The strong results won him the job permanently, but slow starts and limited pressing/counter-pressing point to opportunities for improvement next season. What will Carrickball bring with the addition of more physical midfielders? 00:00 Introduction 02:23 Carrick Appointment Context 03:24 City Game Tactical Setup 05:47 Compact Defence and Transitions 09:06 Rondos and Quick Combinations 11:03 Results Run and Carrick's Pragmatism 16:03 Next Step: Pressing and Midfield Evolution 22:03 Transfer Wishlist and Squad Gaps 23:41 Carrick's Track Record 26:02 Wrap Up If you are interested in supporting the…