Episodes
848
April 4, 2025
Last Derby for a While?
#848 | Ed and Adam and Ed look forward to the derby, which is set amid a much wider context than just the game. For United, there's a decade of failure on the pitch and financial meltdown. For City, a relatively catastrophic season on the pitch and a looming verdict on 115 Premier League charges of systematic financial cheating. 00:00 Introduction 00:48 United vs City: A Crisis Comparison 03:12 City's Squad Planning Issues 07:00 United's Tactical Flexibility 11:10 Young Players Under Pressu...
847
April 3, 2025
United, Inc: PSR, Squad Cost, and Profitability
#847 | On our new finance show, Jamie (Sub-Prime Goals on Twitter) and Ed discuss the financial intricacies surrounding United, focusing on the wage structure, the impact of player salaries, profitability and future transfer strategies. There's lots of talk about United's unique wage dynamics and the impact on financial stability, the potential impact of the upcoming 'squad cost rule' and its implications for Premier League clubs. The convo also touches on the financial impact of the Glazers' pl...
846
April 2, 2025
The Tactics Show: Forest Defeat, City at the Weekend
#846 | Ed and Danish discuss United's performance against Nottingham Forest, focusing on tactical analysis. Sespite the loss, the team's buildup play has significantly improved under Ruben Amorim. They also touch on ongoing issues with scoring, relationships between players, and the need for more cohesion. There's an in-depth conversation about individual performances, potential signings, and the need for personnel changes to enhance effectiveness. Finally, City's current form and what United ne...
845
April 1, 2025
Elanga's Forest Fire Burns
#845 | Defeat to Nottingham Forest after ex-United player Anthony Elanga ran 60 yards to score after five minutes of this game. United did a lot of things right at the City Ground, except score. You know, the most important bit. Ed and Dan review the game and then look ahead to the Manchester derby on Sunday. Sponsors NordVPN - You can take advantage of our Exclusive NordVPN deal including four months free on the two year plan and a 30-day money back guarantee. Go to → https://nordvpn.com/nqat ...
844
March 28, 2025
United Women: A Season of Surprises
#844 | Andy Slater from The Barmy Article fanzine joins Ed to discus the Manchester United Women's team. They review the team's recent performances, highlighting a solid win over Aston Villa, a surprising defeat to Liverpool, and the overall positive trend following the winter break. They delve into fan sentiments, the impact of key player departures, current team dynamics, and the role and future of manager Mark Skinner. Andy is optimistic on upcoming fixtures and the potential growth of the te...
843
March 25, 2025
Football, Taught By Matt Busby
#843 | In this episode the focus is on Wayne Barton's latest book, 'Football Taught by Matt Busby,' which explores the historical identity of Manchester United. The conversation delves into the origins of United's philosophy, beginning with the era of Matt Busby and the evolution under subsequent managers, particularly the influence of youth development and entertaining football. Highlights include Busby’s impact, the rebuilding post-Munich crash, and Ferguson's continuation of United’s core pri...
842
March 23, 2025
15 Games to Save a Season
#842 | United are approaching the end-game of a disastrous season but a run of good results in the Premier League would have fans anticipating something better next year. Victory in the Europa League would almost save one of the worst season's in living memory. Ed and Adam discuss. 00:00 Introduction 01:06 Final Quarter of the Season Overview 04:05 Europa League Importance 06:06 April Fixtures Breakdown 11:47 Europa League Semi-Final Prospects 16:19 Player Transfers and Squad Depth 20:59 ...
841
March 21, 2025
Lockdown Nostalgia
#841 | It's five years since the Premier League was suspended as the Covid-19 pandemic reached the UK. Three long months without football and then some of the best games during the post Sir Alex Ferguson wilderness years. Ed and Dominic get all nostalgic. Sponsor NQAT is brought to you in association with NordVPN, and you can take advantage of our 🌏 Exclusive NordVPN deal → https://nordvpn.com/nqat including four months free on the two year plan and a 30-day money back guarantee. 00:00 Introdu...
840
March 20, 2025
United, Inc. - Our New Football Finance Show
#840 | In the debut episode of 'United Inc.', Jamie (aka Subprime Goals on Twitter and Bluesky) joins Ed to discuss the intricate financials of Manchester United. The show covers a range of topics including the club's current revenue and profitability situation, the financial struggles over the past few years, and potential future strategies for stability. Key points include discussion on the anticipated new stadium and potential funding routes, such as debt, equity, and private financing. They ...
839
March 19, 2025
M.U.S.T on Pricing, Fans and the Future
Ed is joined by Duncan Drasdo and Andy Green from MUST
838
March 17, 2025
The Tactics Show: Welcome to Amo-ball?
#838 | United thrash Leicester, Rasmus Hojlund actually scores goals, Bruno Fernandes excels in midfield yet again, Matthijs de Ligt is excellent at the back, and Ayden Heaven's impact. Are we seeing signs of improvement at last? Plenty to discuss with Ed, Dan and Dharnish. 00:00 Introduction 01:47 Analysing United's Tactics 05:21 Bruno Fernandes' Impact 11:54 Defensive Resilience 18:20 Injury Concerns 19:27 International Break 20:33 England Squad 21:28 Upcoming Matches 24:35 Garnacho's...
836
March 16, 2025
21 Games Later
#836 | United beat Leicester on the road to move up to 13th place in the Premier League. Rasmus Hojlund scored for the first time in 21 games, Alejandro Garnacho broke his own goal drought, and Bruno smashed in a third. Things are beginning to click for Ruben Amorim's side. And yet, just as we thought we could have nice things, there's some terrible injury luck for Ayden Heaven. Ed and Wayne discuss. 00:00 Introduction 00:41 Match Overview 00:51 Injury Concerns and Player Performances 08:22 ...
835
March 13, 2025
Build Him a Statue
#835 | Ed and Tom look back on Manchester United's impressive 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad in the Europa League. There was plenty of entertainment, some controversial refereeing decisions, and several standout performances including Bruno Fernandes's hat-trick, a superb performance by Joshua Zirkzee, and a promising full debut from newcomer Ayden Heaven. The conversation also touches on United's strategic planning, future prospects, and upcoming fixtures, including the weekend's clash with Lei...
800
March 11, 2025
The New Old Trafford Deep Dive
#834 | Ed and Adam dive into the ambitious plans for a new Old Trafford, spearheaded by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The discussion covers mixed reactions to the design, the project's historical context, and fan group responses. They also talk about the significant role of government regulations, planning timelines, and the noticeable absence of the Glazer family in the launch. The hosts analyse the financial implications and potential impact on the club's future, including the broader economic benefits a...
March 11, 2025
Big Sir Jim Speaks!
#833 | Ed and Dharnish discuss the recent media spree by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, including his interviews with Gary Neville, Dan Roan, and various print outlets. They delve into the key points Ratcliffe and the PR strategies behind his remarks. The discussion also covers the financial challenges the club faces, Sir Jim's plans for the future including the new stadium announcement, and the impact of staff cuts on the club's operational efficiency and fan experience. They critique the effectiveness of ...
March 6, 2025
Hands Down
#831 | Dominic joins Ed to break down Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad in the Europa League. In many circumstances that's not a horrendous result. After all, United's record away to Spanish sides isn't exactly stellar. Yet, after controlling the style of game, Ruben Amorim's side very nearly collapsed after giving away a soft penalty. We've been here before. At least United didn't lose and should complete the job back at Old Trafford. 00:00 Introduction 01:39 Initial Reactions a...
March 4, 2025
Rasmus vs. Obi
#830 | Ed and Isabel chat about the performance and potential of United's strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Chido Obi. Obi's promising appearances compare well to Hojlund's struggle to find form. The conversation covers the challenges facing both players, their future prospects, and the club's broader transfer strategies amidst financial constraints. Ed and Isabel talk about the importance of nurturing young talents while addressing the immediate need for goal-scoring solutions. They also touch on the...
March 3, 2025
The Tactics Show: Can't Score, Won't Score
Tactics #829 | United were beaten on penalties by Fulham to exit the FA Cup but amid the doom and gloom there were some interesting tactical tweaks. In this episode, Ed, Dharnish and Daniel discuss United's different shape, the Eriksen/Bruno connection, challenges with build up and the ongoing problems up front. Then we look ahead to Thursday's Europa League tie against Real Sociedad. 00:00 Introduction 00:13 Discussing United's Cup Exit 02:40 Tactical Analysis: Shape and Midfield Roles 04:4...
797
March 2, 2025
Spot of Bother
#828 | FA Cup defeat to Fulham after 120 minutes of football that was 'a great advertisement for the sport of watching paint dry'. Except drying paint actually changes state and this United team offers up dross every week. Ed and Dan try and muster some enthusiasm for yet another cricking episode of United: The Wilderness Years. 00:00 Introduction 00:48 Penalty Shootout Drama 01:15 Goalkeeper Analysis 04:29 Match Strategy and Formation 06:10 Player Performance: Hojlund and Obi 17:03 Bruno ...
Feb. 28, 2025
Can Austerity Jim's Strategy Work?
#827 | Sir Jim Ratcliffe is undertaking a revolution at Old Trafford. Much of it has attracted a negative reaction. It's as bad as it's been in 40 years on the pitch, there's unrest among the fans, and 100s of people have lost their jobs at United. Can Ratcliffe's austerity strategy turn the club's finances around? And can the club successfully pull off a new transfer strategy that focuses on younger players? Ed and Adam discuss. 00:00 Introduction 01:02 Job Cuts and Strategy at United 02:39 ...
795
Feb. 26, 2025
Arry's Head
#826 | United beat Ipswich in terrible weather at Old Trafford - coming from behind, suffering Patrick Dorgu's dismissal, and showing plenty of spirit. It was a very low quality game and yet is there something to take out of victory in difficult circumstances? Ed and Wayne review the match and then look forward to United's FA Cup game against Fulham this weekend. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 05:14 Match Analysis 06:07 Player Performances and Tactical Observations 14:55 Set Pieces and Goals Br...