Explore every episode of the podcast No Question About That - a Manchester United podcast

#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. 0:27 Intro: United 0-1 City 1:40 Team selection 5:46 Carrick's tactics: clogged middle, forced wide 24:01 VAR decision: goal that wasn't 40:51 Maguire, Martinez, Yoro and Heaven 47:07 Looking ahead: Brighton and Fulham 51:35 Wrap 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 today — Claude.ai/NQAT --- 0:28 Intro 2:29 Transfer market: money cycling in the Premier League 5:57 How United funded the window 8:48 United's wage bill 11:39 Why United didn't sell 15:11 Manchester City 16:05 Chelsea's player trading machine 20:58 Aston Villa 24:08 Everton 27:35 Crystal Palace 29:09 Spurs' spending spree 33:45 Liverpool 37:08 Looking ahead to next season 43:00 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 in video on YouTube. Hit that subscribe button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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.  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 Youth team victory 45:40 Manchester City preview 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 — Claude.ai/NQAT --- 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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, Sesko and squad depth
 43:22 Net spend and club ambition
 44:37 Sign-off --- 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 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 machine 40:45 Ipswich preview and team selection 50:01 Outro --- 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 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 — Claude.ai/NQAT --- 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 conflicts of interest16:16 United's transfer spend and SCR position22:31 Rashford's future27:35 Big-six spending across the league39:54 Is SCR anti-competitive?45:51 Salary caps, owner-funding, potential exits49:34 EFL losses and the Premier League deal55:21 Ticket prices and the pyramid56:22 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 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 24:30 Individual performances 37:50 Rashford debate 53:45 Looking ahead --- 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 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 
5:52 Midfield pairings and where Baleba fits 
10:01 Fullbacks in the build-up
 13:40 Left-back transfer targets
 15:06 The pressing question
 21:17 Defensive transitions 
23:45 The attack and Rashford's return
 28:54 Transfer rumours 
29:10 Wrap-up and season hopes 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 finances 45:30 Predicted line-up and sign-off 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 run through the rest of the league: Arsenal have strengthened again, Liverpool are an interesting watch under Iraola with the Bezos ownership question in the background, Spurs have spent big, and nobody fancies predicting what Chelsea will do. 0:00 Six games, one freak-out 1:50 A disjointed pre-season 9:44 Shaw and Maguire: the defensive issue 15:09 Carrick's tactical direction 17:33 Midfield's missing ball-winner 27:28 Lacey: keep or loan? 34:33 Dorgu, Sesko and Zirkzee 40:31 What United need before deadline day 51:17 Rivals: Arsenal 54:07 Rivals: City after Guardiola 1:00:06 Rivals: Liverpool and Iraola's scalability 1:04:04 Bezos, Liverpool and the TV deal 1:11:37 Rivals: Spurs 1:14:23 Rivals: Newcastle 1:15:53 Rivals: Chelsea 1:18:00 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 in video on YouTube. Hit that subscribe button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 Drury, Jessica Anderson and Scarlett Hill have all signed professional terms. United start the season away at London City Lionesses on 4 September, with Mary Earps in goal. 00:00 Introduction 01:49 Revisiting the Skinner Era 04:56 Recruitment and Budget 08:41 Eva Olid: United's New Manager 11:44 Departures and Transfer Window 17:08 Sustainable Strategy 22:15 Academy and Youth Players 26:44 Season Expectations 30:46 Opening WSL Game vs London City 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 feels like it's at war with fans, there's been a mixed reaction. Finally, the transfer market, in which United appear to be moving very slowly. Youri Tielemans was announced three weeks ago now. Are there any more to come? 0:00 Intro 2:03 Women's Team: Eva Oli Replaces Mark Skinner 20:52 Fan Zone & Matchday Atmosphere 28:15 Transfer Market: Preseason & Mason Mount 37:46 Midfield Reinforcements & the Real Madrid Domino 47:03 Wrap-Up & Outro 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 filtering back slowly. Is a third midfielder, left-back, or forward on the way in? A short chat about United's kits closes out the the pod. 00:00 Introduction and Preseason Recap 10:11 Transfer Priorities and Squad Needs 14:46 Youth Academy Player Sales 24:03 Rivals' Transfer Spending 34:34 Season Outlook 37:19 Season Ticket Controversy 44:15 Football's Financial Landscape 49:09 Kit Chat and 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 in video on YouTube. Hit that subscribe button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 5:29 Tuchel's Tactics and Balance Issues 15:03 Argentina Collapse 26:16 Should Tuchel Be Sacked? 28:33 Euro 2028 and Harry Kane's Future 38:35 England's National Identity 43:55 Manchester United Preview 52:37 Outro 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 in video on YouTube. Hit that subscribe button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 Ronaldo and Portugal's World Cup Meltdown 36:47 England vs Norway and Rashford's Future 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 Preview 40:57 New Old Trafford Stadium Plans 48:13 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 in video on YouTube. Hit that subscribe button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 documentary 44:32 Wayne's book and podcast 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 Group J 36:29 Group K 41:08 Ad Break 2 41:29 Group L 50:41 Close & 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 05:02 Visa Bans and Fan Access 13:37 Ticket Prices and FIFA's Money 14:42 FIFA's Revenue  22:59 Infantino and the FIFA Forward Programme 35:32 Player Welfare, Heat and Pitches 44:24 Stadium Experience and American Sports Culture 51:49 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 in video on YouTube. Hit that subscribe button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#1011 | Ed and Dharnish continue their tactical review of United’s season, covering the period from early November to Ruben Amorim’s January sacking. This period included a run of inconsistent, often drab matches saved only by United’s success from set-piece finishing. Then the turning point: 4-4 against Bournemouth, possibly United’s best attacking performance under Amorim, and a shift toward a back four. Only for Amorim, inexplicably, to return to a back three against the wishes of the club. 00:00 Part Two Overview 01:19 Set Pieces and the Autumn Run of Results 03:14 Why Was It Going Wrong? 05:14 Bournemouth 4-4: Amorim's Best Football 10:53 Back to a Back Three and the Wolves Debacle 14:20 Amorim's Sacking: Press Conference and Why He Failed 14:47 Could Amorim Have Found a Higher Ceiling? 24:17 Final Verdict and What Comes Next 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#1010 | Ed and Dharnish begin a three-part season tactical review, covering the start of the campaign through the autumn and setting up later segments on Ruben Amarin’s downfall and Michael Carrick’s resurgence. There’s a review of early matches including Arsenal, Fulham, Burnley, City, Chelsea, Brentford, and a damaging loss at Grimsby. Why did Amorim lean into long balls, why wouldn’t he move away from his beloved 3-4-3, and why did he insist on playing his best players out of position ... or not at all?  00:00 Intro and Season Overview 01:18 Early Season: Amorim Ball 04:13 Grimsby and The Low Point 12:06 Attack Clicks and Set Pieces Saving Amorim 12:58 Pressing & Defensive Issues 19:39 Three Wins in a Row and Brighton 22:18 Transition to Part 2: Amorim's Downfall 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#1009 | Ed and Jamie review United’s Q3 financial results, noting slightly better-than-expected revenue, improved operating profit versus last year’s loss, and a wage bill at its lowest share of revenue in about a decade, alongside raised guidance. However, United face weak liquidity - around £60m cash- with the revolver credit up to £260m, ongoing outflows for historic transfer fees, and the continuing constraint this places on squad rebuilding. There’s a discussion around the confirmed costs of hiring and firing Amorim (£16.7m compensation plus a £5.2m write-off), the need to refinance roughly £750m of debt amid uncertain interest rates, limited progress on the new stadium, and a Betway training kit deal reported at £20m per year. Player sales continue to be important! 00:00 Introduction and Q3 Headlines 02:11 Financial Results Deep Dive 07:11 Cash, Debt and Transfer Budget 12:51 Carrick and Summer Strategy 16:37 Amorim Compensation Costs 19:37 Debt Refinancing and Stadium Update 26:47 Sponsorship: Betway, DXC 31:53 Player Trading 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#1000 | Ed and Paul reminisce about 1000 episodes of Rant Cast/NQAT, from its origins as a weekly phone call, to committing to recording every week, and then the expanding NQAT universe over the past couple of seasons. The conversation turns to United’s post-Fergie decline and Ed Woodward, the Glazers’ ownership, Ratcliffe’s restructuring, and optimism about Michael Carrick’s steadying impact, squad depth, transfers, and a Champions League schedule next season. 00:00 Introduction 00:27 The Lost 1000th Episode 02:00 Sunday's Game vs Brighton 03:48 Origins of the Podcast 05:47 How the Show Grew 10:10 YouTube and the Expanded NQAT Universe 13:58 Football Finance and Data Nerd Communities 19:25 United's Decline Since The Fergie Era 21:06 The Ed Woodward Years 25:57 Ratcliffe, Ineos and the Cultural Reset 39:14 Next Season: Squad Needs and the Summer Window 46:47 Michael Carrick  01:04:47 Wrapping 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 in video on YouTube. Hit that subscribe button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#1009 | Ed and Dan recap United’s comfortable win over Brighton on the South Coast. There was a little bit of liquid football to close out the season in an upbeat mood. With no Casemiro in the squad and Cunha on the bench, Patrick Dorgu and Mason Mount started in what could easily have descended into an end-of-season dead rubber. Instead, this was the best way to close out the campaign, including Bruno's record-breaking 21st assist of the season. 00:00 Introduction 02:05 Carrick's Tactical Choices: Mount, Dorgu and the Midfield 03:25 What Do United Need in Midfield? 11:04 Dorgu: Big Spaces Player and the Right Profile? 16:21 The Squad Vibe and Carrick's Man-Management 20:16 Guardiola vs Fergie 30:49 England Squad: Tuchel's Selection 40:51 Summer Transfers: Fernandes, Tonali, Ederson 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on ⁠Apple⁠ or ⁠Spotify⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ed and Dan break down Michael Carrick's appointment as Manchester United head coach on a two-year deal: why the job went to him over the alternatives, and what comes next. Sixteen games into the interim spell, the results speak for themselves. The floor has been raised, and his methods are not complicated: a back four, Mainoo restored to the team, players returned to roles they recognise, and Amorim's pressing scheme abandoned. From there the conversation turns to what's next. Does Carrick have a ceiling that meets elite Champions League sides? How does the summer midfield rebuild dictate whether United play the way Carrick really wants next season? And what does success look like? 00:00 Carrick's Record and the Reaction Online 02:52 Previous United Managers 10:08 What Carrick Has Done Differently 18:52 Midfield Profile - What United Need 34:31 Carrick's Character and Management Style 36:35 Champions League and What Success Looks Like 40:38 Summer Transfer Window - Who Should United Sign 45:40 Wrapping 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 in video on YouTube. Hit that subscribe button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#1007 | Ed and Dan review Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest in the final home game of the season. More than 4 xG created, 29 shots taken and Bruno Fernandes’ 20th assist. Plenty of entertainment on offer. It's Michael Carrick’s 11th win of his short tenure, but he's found a way for United to keep emerging victorious from these narrow-margin games. It was a day when Casemiro said farewell to Old Trafford, Luke Shaw scored his first goal for three years, and Bryan Mbeumo eventually got on the scoresheet too. There was some controversy about Matteus Cunha's goal, although rules are rules, innit? Inevitably, the conversation turns to the summer. Can United give Carrick the tools he needs to succeed? 00:00 Intro and Match Reaction 05:51 Casemiro's Farewell 12:54 Game Analysis: Goals and Key Moments 17:21 Midfield Replacements: Casemiro's Successor 44:21 Bruno's 20 Assists: How Good Is It? 47:35 Summer Transfer Window 01:00:38 Michael Carrick as Manager 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#1006 | Ed and Adam look forward to United’s final home game of the season against Nottingham Forest. It’ll be the chance to close out the season with some momentum and say farewell to Casemiro. There’s a review of United U18s defeat to City in the FA Youth Cup final. A positive start, but United were eventually overpowered by a strong, older City team. City’s 6,000 ground wasn’t even full. Then we turn to the imminent (re)appointment of Michael Carrick as United’s Head Coach. Carrick is likely to be offered a two-year deal after winning 10 of his 15 games in charge. 00:00 Introduction 05:16 Matchday Income and Sponsorship Bump 11:18 How Much Can United Spend? 16:46 Transfer Targets and Player Sales 19:33 Betway Sponsorship  26:03 Michael Carrick  39:35 FIFA World Cup Finances 51:24 Fan Experience 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#1005 | Ed and Jamie discuss United’s likely Champions League revenue uplift, which might be over £100m across prize/broadcast, matchday and sponsorships. Despite higher associated costs EBITDA projections might top £250m next year. How might that translate into summer spending under new squad-cost rules? It might well be a theoretical ceiling near £400m, with £300m more plausible. And what other revenue streams might there be from possible sales to bolster United’s transfer budget? Finally, there’s a discussion on World Cup finances. How will FIFA spend its projected $13bn World Cup revenues, driven by high ticket pricing, commercial deals, and broadcasting rights? 00:00 Introduction 05:16 Matchday Income and Sponsorship Bump 11:18 How Much Can United Spend? 16:46 Transfer Targets and Player Sales 19:33 Betway Sponsorship 26:03 Michael Carrick 39:35 FIFA World Cup Finances 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#1004 | Ed and Tom look back on United’s 0-0 draw at Sunderland, the first goalless game of the season. Casemiro’s absence exposed how disjointed United look without him. With five mostly enforced changes, they discuss underwhelming displays from Mason Mount and Josh Zirkzee, limited attacking output from the full-backs, and United’s lack of physicality. Once again, Senne Lammens came to United’s rescue. What a signing he has been.  With Champions League secured, and not much action on the pitch to talk about, the conversation turns to summer priorities - especially central midfield signings. Finally, there’s Forest next week to think about. 00:00 Introduction and Match Reaction 02:17 Player Ratings: The Stand-ins 05:40 Kobbie Mainoo and The Midfield  14:00 Summer Transfer Priorities 28:02 Strikers: Zirkzee, Højlund and Chido Obi 40:58 Last Summer's Signings Reviewed 42:10 Transfer Wishlist 50:49 Forest, The Title Race and Real Madrid Drama 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#1003 |  Ed and Dominic discuss United’s new Betway training kit sponsorship worth £18m per year and the wider ethics and prevalence of betting money in football as front-of-shirt bans loom. They then cover controversy around the FA Youth Cup final being staged at City’s 6,000-capacity Joie Stadium, limiting United’s allocation compared to the 67,000 at Old Trafford in 2022. The conversation turns to Michael Carrick’s interim reign: a pragmatic approach, improved results and momentum, Mainoo’s introduction, and the risks of replacing him amid a thin managerial market and a Frankenstein squad. Then they preview Sunderland away, prioritising momentum above the introduction of too many youth team stars. 00:00 Introduction 01:36 Betway Training Kit Sponsorship 09:58 FA Youth Cup Final Controversy 14:06 Academy Players and the Reality of Elite Youth Football 22:12 Michael Carrick: The Case For and Against 31:37 The Manager Market and Alternatives to Carrick 38:18 Transfer Plans and Squad Needs for Next Season 40:28 Sunderland Match Preview 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#1002 | Ed, Dharnish and Daniel react to United’s 3–2 win over Liverpool and debate whether “underlying metrics” matter without context? United are succeeding on fine margins with elite attackers and reduced chances conceded under Michael Carrick. They break down Carrick’s approach: bypassing the opposition press, sitting compact in a mid-block, and attacking quickly in transition. With Champions League secured and Carrick seen as favourite for the job, we discuss how his football might evolve toward more control while keeping his tactical flexibility. The focus turns to summer recruitment, especially finding the right midfield partner for Kobbie Mainoo, with quick-fire takes on targets like Wharton, Anderson, Baleba, Tchouaméni and Mateo Fernandez. 00:00 Introduction 01:24 Are the Underlying Metrics Bad? 04:38 Third Next Season - Acceptable? 08:31 Liverpool Match Analysis 10:20 Carrick's Game Model 13:52 How Does Carrick Evolve the Team? 22:53 Transfer Targets and Midfield Profiles 26:00 Rapid Fire Transfer Round 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#1001 |  Ed and Daniel enjoy United’s 3–2 win over Liverpool. United’s strong first half that could have produced four; Liverpool almost snatched an improbable draw, only for a fine finish from Kobbie Mainoo to win the game. It’s the first time for a decade United secured a Premier League double over Liverpool - and the win officially secured Champions League football next season. In truth United were always likely to find enough against a ponderous Liverpool team but a couple of individual errors allowed them back into the game. With just three games to go, the conversation inevitably turns to the managerial situation and summer transfer market. 10 wins in 14 puts Carrick in pole position, but does Mainoo’s impressive performances change the calculation in the market? 00:00 Intro and Match Reaction 08:40 The First Half 15:01 Sesko and the Attack 15:38 Midfield Performances and Summer Needs 23:11 The Second Half 37:46 Is Carrick Getting The Job? 45:55 Liverpool Tactics 48:39 Sunderland Preview, Fergie Illness 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#999 |  Ed, Daniel and Dharnish return to discuss United’s 2-1 win over Brentford. They break down United’s fast start to the game before Brentford found space in wide areas and behind the midfield, then credit Michael Carrick for a decisive halftime shift to a back five that helped United control the game. Casemiro and Mainoo’s heavy involvement and defensive output are highlighted, alongside concerns about the difficulty of replacing Casemiro’s all-round contribution next season. The show then previews United v Liverpool this weekend. Are Liverpool’s problems in build-up, defence and with injury good for United? 00:00 The Tactics Show: Brentford, Liverpool 00:27 Introduction 01:06 PSG vs Bayern 04:39 United vs Brentford: First Half 08:26 United vs Brentford: Second Half Changes 13:59 Casemiro and the Midfield Transition 18:06 Liverpool Preview 19:15 Liverpool's Problems This Season 25:18 United's Team Selection 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#998 | Ed and Daniel discuss Manchester United’s win over Brentford at Old Trafford, leaving United on the brink of Champions League qualification. That’s Michael Carrick’s 10th win in 13 games as interim manager. It was another strong set of performances from Lammens, Maguire, and Heaven at the back and plenty of quality from Mainoo and Casemiro in midfield as well.  With Champions League almost secure, the conversation turns to summer needs - especially the need for two elite midfielders plus fullback/wing depth. And is the squad ready for a 55–60 game season?  Then we turn to the game against Liverpool at Old Trafford next weekend. 00:00 One Win Away 00:27 Match Reaction: United vs Brentford 01:53 Carrick's 10 Wins in 13 06:45 Goalkeeper: Lammens vs. His Predecessors 18:49 Casemiro's Farewell 29:26 How Good Is This United Side? 34:10 Amorim's Year Off and Kobbie's Contract 47:47 Liverpool Preview  56:46 Farewell 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#997 | There’s a positive vibe about United, with Champions League qualification close, players returning from injury, and Michael Carrick making a strong case to become the permanent manager. Victory over Brentford on Monday will make a return to the top flight of European football almost certain. Ed and Wayne preview the game, think back on that tight win over Chelsea last week, and bemoan the inconsistent refereeing performances that have impacted United recently. 00:00 Introduction 05:31 Matchday Experiences and Stadium Seats 09:38 Chelsea's Business Model Disaster 16:49 Chelsea vs United recap 39:10 Michael Carrick's Future 47:34 Refereeing & Suspensions 51:51 Brentford Preview 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#996 | Ten points clear of Chelsea with five games left. A gritty, utterly necessary win at Stamford Bridge. United's return to the Champions League is no longer a question of whether, but when. Dan and Dharnish unpack all you need to know. With Martínez and Maguire suspended, Carrick turned to an Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui as the centre-back pairing. In front of them, Kobbie Mainoo delivered the standout performance of the afternoon alongside Casemiro, whose is giving us quite the farewell tour Carrick has imposed a more compact press and restored a mentality that had gone missing. Control in games remains the next hurdle, but the case for giving him the job permanently, barring a genuinely elite alternative, is getting harder to argue against. There's also plenty to think about in the summer - United's imperfect front three, Amad's end-product problem, and the summer recruitment required across defence, midfield and on the wing. Brentford is up next. 00:00 Introduction - Almost Back in the Champions League 02:03 Team Selection vs Chelsea 02:09 Maguire and Martinez Suspensions 06:43 Kobbie Mainoo's Performance 10:23 Casemiro's Legacy 24:52 Carrick's Record - Should He Get the Job? 41:55 Looking Ahead: Brentford and Season Run-in 46:21 Final Thoughts 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 button, leave a rating and write a review on ⁠Apple⁠ or ⁠Spotify⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices