Rant Cast

#886 | Ed and Jamie tackle the latest football finance news, addressing Barcelona's significant debt refinancing tied to their stadium renovation and its implications for United’s stadium development and bond refinancing. They also look at Aston Villa's financial struggles with Premier League and UEFA financial regulations, examining potential solutions like selling their women's team and (maybe) Ollie Watkins. Finally, they analyse Chelsea's heavy spending on players and the intricate financial strategies behind it, including multi-club ownership and long-term contracts. The episode also touches on broader themes like the Premier League's future media rights market, broadcasting revenue, and the pressures on clubs to remain financially viable amid widening competition. 00:00 Introduction02:49 Barcelona's Debt Refinancing and it's Impact on United16:39 Aston Villa's Financial Challenges30:54 The Impact of TV Deals on Football Finances37:47 Chelsea's Aggressive Player Acquisition Strategy48:17 Challenges in F

#885 | Ed and Danish explore United’s tactical setup next season, how player performances have shaped the club’s transfer policy and where the team may still be short. They discuss the obsession with transfers, and how fans get carried away during the summer. The main focus is  United's setup, including potential lineup changes for 2025/6, the desperate need for a new number nine, and how various players like Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo will fit into new roles. The hosts debate the future of some key players and express skepticism over the current goalkeeper situation. 00:00 Introduction  01:21  Last Season's Problems 03:10 Team Selection 04:22 Defensive Strategies 15:13 Midfield Dynamics 21:59 Reflecting on Last Season 22:06 The Role of Physical Players 22:31 The Evolution of Player Roles 23:27 Challenges in the Transfer Market 23:57 Goalkeeper Dilemmas 26:29 Striker Search 35:28 Managerial Decisions  37:06 Final Thoughts If you are interested in supporting the show and accessing exclusive bonus

#884 | In this crossover episode of 'No Question About That' and 'The Promised Land' Ed chats to Scott Saunders, about a myriad of topics surrounding Manchester United. They address the unbearable summer heat, the impact of losing a close friend and podcast partner, and the challenges of recording content during the noisy summer months. Focus shifts to the football club's difficulties this past year, particularly the struggles with transfers and the inevitable media frenzy. They evaluate the club's state-of-the-union, potential incoming and outgoing transfers, and the importance of patience for fans during the rebuild process. There is a strong emphasis on the need for a new goalkeeper, striker, and midfielder to enhance the team's spine. The hosts also touch on player development, the intricacies of dealing with underperforming or high-wage players, and the financial realities facing the club. The Promised Land 00:00 Introduction  00:58 Remembering a Friend  02:08 Current State of the Club 04:04 Transf

#883 | Ed talks to John McNicoll about his new book Wem-ber-lee, which looks back on the pivotal 1989-90 season. They cover the sacking of Ron Atkinson, Ferguson's early managerial struggles, and his job-saving FA Cup run featuring key figures like Lee Martin, Jim Leighton, and Mark Robins. McNicoll shares insights into the team's dynamics, crucial moments, and how this season set the stage for United's future successes. https://www.pitchpublishing.co.uk/shop/wem-ber-lee 00:00 Introduction 00:46 Synopsis of the Book 01:20 Genesis of the Book 02:27 Nostalgia and Historical Context 04:10 The Hunger Years 09:37 FA Cup Journey 13:23 The Final and Its Impact 18:34 Ferguson's Gamble and Legacy 24:30 The Importance of the Cup Final 27:27 Fan Discontent and Banner Incident 32:50 Squad Analysis and Injuries 37:12 Ferguson's Project and Future Success 39:51 Reflections If you are interested in supporting the show and accessing exclusive bonus episodes, check out our Patreon page or subscribe on Apple Podcasts S

#882 | Ed and Jamie talk about United's finances in this episode of "United Inc," including detailed analysis of the club's cash position, revealing a precarious situation compared to a few years ago. They also discuss the complexities and delays in player exits, including Marcus Rashford, Anthony, and Jadon Sancho, and the financial strategies underpinning these moves. The conversation extends to the broader market, touching on other clubs’ financial maneuvers, sell-on clauses, and implications for United. Additionally, the episode highlights the importance of the academy and loan systems in maintaining the club’s financial health and player development pipeline. 00:00 Introduction 02:33 United's Cash Position 14:48 Transfer Market Dynamics 19:46 Player Sales Analysis 45:37 Closing Thoughts If you are interested in supporting the show and accessing exclusive bonus episodes, check out our Patreon page or subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscriptions. We do a bonus show and a tactical review every week for bac

No Question About That is the original independent fan-published podcast covering Manchester United. Hosted by Ed, with contributions from Dan, Tom, Wayne, Dharnish, Jamie, Adam, Dominic and Isabel. NQAT covers the latest games, news, business, politics and fan culture at the world’s best supported club. There are two main shows each week, a tactics show and a football finance show, with the occasional interview to spice things up. For backers on Patreon and Apple Podcasts we produce NQAT Extra weekly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#881 | Ed and Adam discuss United's approach to buying a striker in transfer window, ticket prices, fixtures and more changes in the academy set up. United face a significant challenge adding to the squad this summer with complex negotiations happening for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, while the club reportedly looks at alternatives to Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres. In what order should the club prioritise different positions while navigating a tight budget? Off the pitch recent ticket pricing changes have hit fans, while the structure of the youth academy comes under scrutiny with the news that Nick Cox is leaving. Then there's an in-depth interview with United CEO Omar Berrada by Andy Mitten in UWS. 00:00 Introduction00:42 Transfer Window Challenges04:55 Fixture List Analysis10:29 Ticket Pricing Controversy20:22 Berrada Interview31:46 Nick Cox's Departure38:50 Striker Dilemma41:30 Squad Building43:44 Holistic Approach to Strengthening the Team58:29 Concluding Thoughts If you are interested in supporting th

#880 | Ed and Dharnish discuss United's upcoming tactical shifts given three (potential) new signings coming on board including Matteus Cunha, Bryan Mbuemo, and Viktor Gyökeres. They highlight the need for better progression out of defence and the tactical roles of new and existing players in Ruben Amorim's second season. The conversation also touches on the financial aspects of transfers and the necessity of selling some current players to balance the books. 00:00 Introduction 02:59 Discussing Last Season and Need for Rebuild 04:20 Transfer Strategy and New Signings 06:47 Tactical Analysis of New Attack 09:20 Player Profiles: Cunha and Mbeumo 31:47 Striker Options and Osimhen Discussion 38:22 Transfer Outgoings and Squad Management 43:48 Concluding Thoughts If you are interested in supporting the show and accessing exclusive bonus episodes, check out our Patreon page or subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscriptions. We do a bonus show every week for backers. No Question About That is available on YouTub

#879 | Ed and Jamie (aka Sub-Prime Goals) analyse Manchester United's latest Q3 financial report. They discuss the positive outcomes, including a 22% reduction in wages and the impact of key player transfers on the club’s finances. The discussion also covers the restructuring process led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, potential summer transfers, and the implications of the financial shifts for next season.

#878 | Ed and Dominic discuss the whirlwind start to Manchester United's transfer window amidst the backdrop of the FIFA Club World Cup. They analyse the confirmed signing of Matteus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5 million, breaking down the financial structuring of the deal and his potential impact on the team. They analyse Bryan Mbeuno's potential signature and dive into potential exits, including scenarios surrounding Rashford, Garnacho, Antony and Sancho. They debate the broader implications of these moves on squad dynamics, formation strategies, and financial flexibility. Additionally, the roles of current stars like Bruno and Amad are scrutinised. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the team's need for a new goalkeeper, potential candidates, and broader squad improvements required for the season ahead. 00:00 Introduction 01:52 Matteus Cunha Transfer Details 06:17 Financial Implications and Club Strategy 09:20 Player Dynamics and Social Media Impact 15:33 Squad Changes and Tactical Considerations 24:3

#877 | Ed and Wayne skip the usual NQAT awards ceremony and dive into the end-of-season mailbag instead. Bruno Fernandes was Player of the Year, obviously. THat's all. Answering questions from listeners, they discuss the club's financial struggle and speculate about the complexities of offloading unwanted players. Concerns over failed transfers, management inefficiencies, and the club's declining global brand are also highlighted. Questions also dive into historical failures in recruitment and ponder the worst players signed by Sir Alex Ferguson. Also, there's a strangely long discussion about who would win a wheelbarrow race among footballing brothers.

#876 | Ed and Dan discuss the final game of the season against Aston Villa, closing out a dreadful season on a win. They reflect on personal travel anecdotes and quirky encounters in Bilbao and then shift focus to United's post-season activity with heavy turnover among players expected. First victim: Alejandro Garnacho, fired by Ruben Amorim in front of the squad this week.

#875 | Ed and Jamie talk about financial implications of missing out on the Champions League, which means a substantial drop in revenue/opportunity lost, more cost management, and an impact on the summer transfer window. They assess the potential of a transfer strategy heavily reliant on cost-effective signings and youth development. Possible player sales and financial maneuvers, including the women's team valuation and a contentious post-season tour, are examined for their roles in stabilising the club's economic health. Despite the bleak outlook, cautious optimism is maintained.

#874 | Ed and Paul discuss United's disappointing performance in defeat to Spurs in the Europa League final. The conversation touches on what this defeat means financially and strategically amid the club's worst season in decades. The conversation dives into the players' performances, the challenges faced by manager Ruben Amorim, and the potential impact on this summer's transfer strategy. They reflect on the broader implications for the club given the highly competitive nature of the Premier League. Just how bad will the summer be? Probably very bad.

#873 | Ed, Dharnish and Daniel focus on the upcoming Europa League final, discussing the various tactical setups and player selections for United and Tottenham Hotspur. They deliberate formations and likely tactical strategies, touching on Ruben Amorim's choices and approaches. The hosts speculate about possible starting lineups, the importance of the match in the context of a future rebuild, and provide their score predictions for the final.

#872 | Ed and Dominic look forward to the Europa League final in Bilbao, where United and Spurs face off for an oversized trophy and a place in next season's Champions League. For the Reds this is a path to growth and redemption; an accelerant to Ruben Amorim's faltering time in charge. Defeat will leave the club £100m short in the summer transfer market and without any European football next season. The game's importance really cannot be overstated.

#871 | Ed and Dharnish discuss United's disappointing 18th league defeat of the season away at Chelsea. They reflect on the team's poor performance and the many struggles faced this season. With the Europa Final on Thursday, the conversation turns to the potential consequences if United don't beat Tottenham in Bilbao... and the opportunities if they do. If you are interested in supporting the show and accessing exclusive bonus episodes, check out our Patreon page or subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscriptions. We do a bonus show and a tactical review every week for backers. No Question About That is available on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Amazon and all podcast apps. Hit that subscribe button, leave a rating and write a review. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#870 | In this episode Jamie and Ed dive into the financial implications of the Glazer family's 20-year ownership of Manchester United. Discussing the history of the Glazer takeover, they address the massive increase in club revenue alongside the burdensome debt and the ongoing expenses, including interest payments, management fees, and dividends. The conversation covers the role of media in explaining the takeover, analyses United's commercial, broadcast, and match day revenues, and considers the club's future under new leadership amidst evolving financial constraints and competitive pressures.

#869 | Ed and Isabel assess the current squad, who needs to leave, who's definitely staying and what might be needed in the summer. They review the performance of the goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, debating which players are definite starters, which should be kept as squad members, and who should be let go. The conversation covers potential transfers, the strengths and weaknesses of various players, and the strategic needs for strengthening the team.

#868 | This was once a proud club for whom finishing third was a disaster. Now each week brings a new defeat and a shrug of the shoulders. Defeat to West Ham is bad enough, but the thing about giving up on the league is that Ruben Amorim is losing credibility by the week. Everything - the whole season and a few years to come - is on the Europa League final but if United lose that the manager will have less than zero bank of credit available and once again the club will be in the situation of having to spend to back manager who we don’t know will be here by November. Ed and Dan should be angrier.