Rant Cast

#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' plans to refurbish the Raymond James Stadium for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 00:00 Introduction 00:48 Diving into United's Wage Structure 06:28 Impact of Performance-Based Pay and Future Wage Strategies 12:10 Premier League's Squad Cost Rule Explained 25:32 Chelsea's Financial Maneuvers 26:30 Valuation of Women's Football Teams 30:10 United's Financial Health and the Transfer Market 41:35 Joel Glazer & Tampa Bay Bucs 46:24 Closing Remarks Sponsors NordVPN - You can take advantage of our Exclusive NordVPN de

#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 need to do to win at the weekend. 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 AG1 - We have a very special offer worth £82: Subscribe now and get 5 Travel Packs, a Vitamin D3 + K2 bottle, a Welcome Kit & the AG1 Morning Person Cap with your first subscription. Go to → https://drinkAG1.com/nqat 00:00 Introduction 00:35 Analyzing the Performance 02:16 Tactical Issues an

#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 AG1 - We have a very special offer worth £82: Subscribe now and get 5 Travel Packs, a Vitamin D3 + K2 bottle, a Welcome Kit & the AG1 Morning Person Cap with your first subscription. Go to → https://drinkAG1.com/nqat Run of Show 00:00 Introduction 01:10 Book Launch Events and Scandinavian Supporters 02:37 Origins and Inspiration Behind the Book 09:42 Pre-Busby Years and Early Identity of Manchester United 18:39 Busby's Philosophy and Early Influences 22:32 Sponsorship Message 24:26 Busby's Tactical Inno

#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 team's fan base. 00:00 Introduction 00:44 Season Overview 03:56 Financial Aspects and Ownership 06:48 Team Structure and Recruitment 09:51 Sponsor Message 11:20 Player Impact 15:23 Defensive Strength 17:08 Crowd Growth and Fan Base 20:43 Season Run-In 23:42 Managerial Performance 29:51 Stadium and Atmosphere 32:37 Conclusion Sponsor NQAT is brought to you in association with NordVPN, and you can take advantage of our

#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 principles. Wayne elaborates on the tactical and philosophical shifts over the decades, the significance of certain eras, and the challenges faced since Ferguson's departure. The discussion touches on key historical moments, goals that define United’s identity, and evaluations of more recent managers, contemplating the potential of the current manager to adapt and uphold the club's storied traditions. Sponsor NQAT is brought to you in association with NordVPN, and you can take advantage of our

#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 Summer Transfer Strategy and Squad Planning 28:58 Europa League Hopes 32:28 Financial Challenges 36:16 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 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 a

#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

#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 also delve into the implications of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations and speculate on United's transfer strategies in this financial context. The episode wraps up with broader industry insights, comparing Manchester United’s situation with other clubs and discussing the overarching financial health of football. Sponsor NQAT is brought to you in association with NordVPN, and you can take advantage of our

#839 | In this episode, Ed is joined by Duncan Drasdo and Andy Green from the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) to discuss the recent ticket price increases announced by Manchester United. Duncan and Andy discuss the 5% average price increase for tickets, policy changes affecting pensioners and under 16s, and the new categorisation scheme for tickets. They explore the broader financial implications, including match day revenues and the operational costs tied to the club's performance. The conversation also touches on the strained relations between fan groups and the club's new management, the necessity of understanding fans' perspectives, and the potential impact of dynamic pricing. The episode concludes with insights into stadium redevelopment plans, the challenges of financing the initiative, and the importance of maintaining a strong fan base. 00:00 Introduction 01:42 Overview of Price Increases 02:51 Impact on Different Fan Groups 03:55 Changes in Ticketing Policies 08:38 Consultation Proce

#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 Potential 30:19 Final 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 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

#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 Premier League Quality and Competitiveness 12:57 Individual Player Evaluations 16:19 Signs of Progress 27:36 Ericsson's Physicality Issues 28:16 Ugarte's Role 29:10 Aydan Heaven's Injury Concerns 35:27 Ndidi's Controversial Tackle 43:44 Newcastle's Trophy 50:14 Hopes for United's Future 51:21 New Book Announcement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 Leicester. 00:00 Introduction 00:41 Match Overview 01:14 Referee Decisions and VAR Controversies 03:55 United's Performance and Key Players 10:11 Future Prospects 16:17 Celebrating the Win 18:43 Young Talent and Financial Strategy 24:30 Laughing at Jamie Carragher and Liverpool 26:29 United's Busy Week 27:28 Bruno Fernandes: The Indispensable Leader 31:25 Criticism from United Legends 39:36 Leicester City Preview 47:18 Wrapping Up If you are interested in supporting the show and accessing exclusive bonus

#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 and challenges. They highlight the importance of integrating United's rich history into the new development and the need for fan consultation in the process. As Ed and Adam speculate on the logistics and timeline, they emphasise the project's potential to transform United's stadium experience and financial health. 00:00 Introduction 01:39 Initial Reactions to New Trafford 10:57 Government Regulations and Planning Timelines 19:36 Ownership and Future of the Club 22:13 Financing the Stadium 22:56 Fan Group Reactio

#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 Ratcliffe's communication with fans and speculate on the implications of his actions for the club's long-term success. 00:00 Introduction 00:22 Overview of Sir Jim's Interviews 01:24 Media Coverage and Public Perception 02:33 Financial Insights and Ownership Dynamics 04:56 Challenges and Criticisms 06:26 Strategic Decisions 12:00 Relationship with the Glazers 16:26 Gaslighting Fans 17:18 Revenue, Debt and Spending 20:34 Gary Neville's Role 22:28 Cost-Cutting Measures, Player Contracts 30:55 Stadium Announ

#832 | United played out a hard-fought dead-rubber with perennial bridesmaids Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday. Before that thousands of United supporters protested against the ownership before the match. We've seen this picture for 20 years and yet with the club in a downward spiral, employees being fired, debt piling up and threats of ticket price rises on the horizon, there's more to be concerned about than ever. Ed and Dan discuss the game, the protests and then look forward to United's Europa League fixture against Real Sociedad on Thursday. 00:00 Introduction 00:45 Public Service Announcement 03:34 Manchester United Fan Protests 17:57 Match Analysis: Manchester United vs Arsenal 28:24 Victor Lindelof's and Ayden Heaven 31:33 Young Talents and Their Potential 40:22 Bruno Fernandes 44:26 United's Tactical Challenges 50:10 Europa League Hopes and Fears If you are interested in supporting the show and accessing exclusive bonus episodes, check out our Patreon page or subscribe on Apple Podcast

#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 and Game Analysis 03:35 Player Performances 11:03 Injury Concerns and Squad Depth 23:52 Penalty Controversy and Mentality Issues 30:07 Inconsistencies in Football Refereeing 30:46 The Impact of VAR on Football 33:15 United's Current Injuries 34:27 Squad Limitations 47:25 Social Media's Influence on Players 51:40 Looking Ahead: Arsenal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 managerial decisions, youth development, and the significance of upcoming matches for United. 00:00 Introduction 00:30 Discussing Cheetah Obi's Performance 01:09 Comparing Obi and Hojlund 03:42 Hojlund's Struggles and Potential 08:25 Future Prospects and Transfer Market 13:34 Youth Players and Expectations 19:49 Final 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 an

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 04:42 Struggles in Attack 07:00 Issues with Pressing and Possession 09:59 Tactical Adjustments 18:39 Upcoming Europa League Match 26:05 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 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 a

#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 Fernandes 19:56 Defensive Analysis 23:33 Youth Players and Squad Depth 29:24 Europa League Hopes and Challenges 34:29 Real Sociedad Analysis 36:02 Future Outlook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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 Financial Turnaround 03:58 PSR and Wage Budget Analysis 06:56 Challenges with Young Talent Strategy 11:17 Communication and Fan Engagement 24:12 Commercial Strategy 32:35 Full Sale Debate 34:11 Global Streaming Deals 37:22 The Future of Sports Broadcasting 39:43 Sports Franchise Valuations 48:17 INEOS and Manchester United's Strategy 55:57 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 Subs