Rant Cast

#925 Wayne’s been out and about - starting the show with a trip to Altrincham and a chance run-in with a few familiar United faces. From there, Ed and Wayne dive into the week’s big talking points: the looming trip to Anfield, United’s soft spots under pressure, and a flurry of takeover rumours set off by a single viral tweet. The pair pick apart the ownership chatter, question some of the reporting standards around it, and reflect on what credible journalism looks like in the current media circus. There’s also a look at international duty form, travel fatigue, and United Women’s Champions League fixture. Wayne wraps up with news on his latest projects - including a new collaboration with Paul Parker. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:50 Takeover Rumours 14:51 Dissecting the Ownership Situation 21:31 Journalism, Clickbait, and Credibility 25:56 United Women in Europe 35:13 International Duty and Travel Concerns 39:47 Liverpool Preview 48:21 Where Liverpool Are Vulnerable 53:46 Old Traumas at Anfield 58:15 Fo

#924 | Ed and Jamie dig into the latest finance news - from Saudi takeover chatter to shifting roles behind the scenes. With talk of high-level interest and whispers of a winter friendly in Riyadh, the hosts ask what’s real, what’s posturing, and what it all means for United’s financial direction? They also break down the latest movements in the club’s infrastructure plans: academy investment, staffing from Brentford, and how Old Trafford’s future might finally take shape. Plus, the latest on Harry Maguire’s contract negotiations and the Women’s team’s Champions League campaign. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:54 Saudi Takeover Speculation 17:15 Academy and Infrastructure 24:38 Operational Changes at United 29:24 Stadium Financing Options 37:49 Potential Friendly in Saudi Arabia 39:23 Financial Realities and Player Contracts 48:18 Women’s Team and Financial Impact 52:36 Wrap-Up If you are interested in supporting the show and accessing a weekly exclusive bonus episode, check out our Patreon page or sub

#923 | In this midweek episode Ed and Wayne celebrate United Women’s first-ever Champions League win - a statement performance against Valarenge and a sign of how far Mark Skinner’s side has come this season. The conversation then pivots to changes off the pitch, as United continue the behind-the-scenes rebuild. The hosts unpack the arrival of Ameesh Malek from Brentford and what his appointment says about INEOS’ intent to modernise operations. Naturally, the rumour mill never sleeps. Ed and Wayne assess the latest whispers of a club takeover - and why it’s unlikely to happen anytime soon. They also dig into Jim Ratcliffe’s recent Times interview, where he talked expectation management, academy economics, and what “sustainable success” might really mean at Old Trafford. All that, plus a quick look ahead at United’s upcoming fixture against Liverpool. Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:11 United Women’s Champions League Victory11:01 Ratcliffe’s Times Interview29:31 Ownership Speculation and Saudi Rumours39:47 W

#923 | Ed and Dharnish take the mic to dissect United’s composed weekend win. The pair dig into what’s changed tactically - from the defensive shape to a noticeable shift in pressing and long ball strategy. There’s praise for Mason Mount’s role in midfield and for Bruno Fernandes’ disciplined positioning, plus a look at how debutant Senne Lemmens brought a rare sense of calm between the posts. The conversation turns toward Anfield - what tweaks could Amorim make, who keeps their place, and how United might carry this new-found control into the biggest test yet. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 
01:18 Defensive Shape & Pressing Adjustments
 05:55 Long Ball Strategy 
07:28 Goalkeeper Performance: Lemmens’ Debut
 09:54 Mason Mount & Midfield Dynamics
 26:32 Game Management & Control
 30:36 Looking Ahead to Anfield
 31:33 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

#922 |  Ed and Dan dissect Manchester United’s 2–0 win over Sunderland - a performance that offered relief, if not revelation. There’s praise for Senne Lemmens’ clean sheet, but the discussion quickly turns to Amorim’s tactical rigidity, and the sustainability of the long-ball plan. Amad Diallo’s case for more minutes grows louder, there’s competition for a place between Mason Mount and Matteus Cunha. The conversation also touches on Leny Yoro’s defensive integration, Kobbie Mainoo’s long-term role, and why even in victory, United’s football feels low-percentage. Plus: the youth team keeps winning, United Women continue to impress, and there’s a preview of the trip to Anfield - where the real test of progress begins. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:00 United 2–0 Sunderland: Match Reaction 04:04 Tactical Tweaks & Formation Choices 07:27 Build-Up Play & Long Ball Debate 17:57 Can Amorim’s System Hold Up? 20:13 Liverpool Preview & Weaknesses to Target 23:47 Youth & Women’s Team Updates 25:07 International C

#921 | Another week, another crisis. United collapse 3–1 at Brentford and the questions keep piling up. Ed and Adam pick through the wreckage - from fan fury to the manager’s failing system, and the uncomfortable truth that some of United’s best performers are currently thriving out on loan. There’s a broader look at the club’s structure, coaching set-up, and whether the board has the courage (or competence) to act. Who would take the reins if Amorim goes? And what does it say about United’s trajectory that Europe’s top competition rolls on without them? Finally, a glance towards Sunderland at Old Trafford, and whether the players - and the manager - can arrest the slide. Chapters00:00 Introduction01:41 Brentford Defeat & Fan Reaction06:35 Manager/Club Structure Debate10:37 Squad, Youth, and Coaching Issues32:07 Interim Manager & Future Options40:44 Champions League & United's Absence46:38 Sunderland Preview & Closing Thoughts If you are interested in supporting the show and accessing a weekly exclusive

#920 | Ed and Dharnish pick apart United’s defeat at Brentford – another game of aimless long balls, players out of position, and a system that looks increasingly unworkable. The expected goals against keeps piling up, the chances created are toothless, and Ruben Amorim’s supposed philosophy remains nowhere to be seen. There’s debate over Bruno Fernandes’ role, attacking patterns that break down before they begin, and whether the summer signings are doing anything to shift the needle. It’s hard not to question whether Amorim can actually turn this around. Still, Sunderland is next – and with it, a sliver of hope. Chapters00:00 – Introduction01:19 – Structural and tactical issues04:49 – Bruno’s evolving role07:28 – Broken attacking patterns18:22 – Criticism of Amorim’s system23:43 – Assessing the new signings27:37 – Looking ahead to Sunderland 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

#919 | Ed and Dan pick through United’s latest mess - a limp defeat at Brentford that exposed all of Ruben Amorim’s tactical blind spots. The formation remains fixed, the long-ball obsession continues, and player positioning is all over the shop. It’s starting to feel like the manager is running out of answers. There’s talk of set-piece disasters, defensive gaps you could drive a bus through, and the creeping question of whether Amorim is really the man to take this team forward. A bright spot? United Women keep winning, offering a sharp contrast to the men’s malaise. Chapters00:00 – Introduction01:05 – Brentford: another bleak afternoon02:44 – Amorim’s tactical blind spots05:12 – Set-piece calamities and defensive woes07:50 – Stubborn systems and team dynamics17:55 – Future prospects (or lack thereof)30:42 – Ruthless decisions and mis-used players32:58 – Penalty misery35:21 – Academy changes36:33 – Managerial strategies dissected43:04 – United Women keep shining44:42 – Final thoughts If you are intereste

#918 | Ed and Tom are back to pick through the week’s headlines. There’s the fallout from United’s scrappy win over Chelsea, with a dive into the numbers behind United’s uneven start to the season. We talk safe standing at Old Trafford – expanded and long overdue – and what it means for matchday atmosphere. The women’s team gets plenty of attention too: a bright start to the new campaign capped by Champions League qualification, and a tricky draw that promises drama. Finally, we turn to Brentford away: tactical tweaks, possible line-up changes, and where United still need to sharpen up. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 01:15 – Chelsea Victory Fallout 06:23 – Tactics, Data, and Early-Season Form 14:59 – Safe Standing and the Fan Experience 23:05 – United Women’s Champions League Draw 34:37 – Brentford Preview: Line-ups & Tactics 49:51 – Closing 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. Supp

#917 | Ed and Dharnish pick apart United’s victory over Chelsea - a win that raised as many questions as it answered. We dig into the tactical tweaks, the reliance on direct attacks, and the conversation about mentality on and off the pitch. We wrap with a Brentford preview, where defensive organisation and lineup choices could prove decisive. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 01:10 - Chelsea Result and Mental Pressure 05:00 - Tactical Trends and the Long Ball 12:30 - Social Media, Players, and Mental Health 20:45 - Brentford Preview and Defensive Setup 25:50 - Closing 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

#916 | Ed and Daniel pull apart United’s chaotic victory over Chelsea – a game defined by red cards, questionable substitutions, but a result that eases the pressure on Ruben Amorim. We get into the impact of Casemiro’s dismissal, the defensive approach that left United hanging on, and a set of substitutions that only made things worse. Up front, poor decision-making in the final third and muddled wing-back positioning are laid bare. There’s bigger-picture chat too: United's midfield issues, waiting for new attacking signings to fully bed in, and the sight of ex-Reds thriving elsewhere. Plus: a nod to United Women’s progress in Europe, a look ahead to fixtures coming up, and a brief chat about the financial fog that surrounds the club. Chapters: 00:00 – Intro 00:55 – United’s Scrappy Victory 05:30 – Questionable Substitutions & Managerial Choices 08:30 – Key Moments & Game Dynamics 13:18 – Refereeing Decisions 20:53 – Where This Leaves United 25:31 – Fixtures on the Horizon 27:13 – Women’s Team’s Champio

#915 | Jamie and Ed dig into United’s full-year 2025 results - headline number: record revenue of £666 million. That’s the good news. The rest is a little murkier. They pick apart Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Omar Berrada’s financial playbook, the Europa League bump that inflated the top line, and the bullish outlook for 2026. There’s plenty of risk too - miss out on Europe again and the house of cards wobbles. The pod takes in transfer profits, debt and credit facilities, and whether the new regime can actually tame United’s long-running addiction to commercial cash. Sponsorships are up, but so are the questions: how sustainable is this model if results on the pitch keep tanking? Finally, the lads look ahead to future reports, stadium and infrastructure investment, and what it all means for United’s ability to compete in the market. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:27 Financial performance - revenue, profit, league impact 06:29 Debt position and the credit facility shuffle 10:53 Future outlook and 2026 guidance 1

#914 | Ed, Dharnish and Daniel discuss the tactics that led to United's disappointing performance in the derby on Sunday. This analysis covers the ongoing debate about Amorim’s formation, player roles, and the manager's stubborn adherence to his  philosophy. The convo offers a critique of United's lack of pressing, poor midfield setup, and misuse of players like Bruno Fernandes. There’s an inevitable debate about  the manager’s future, and what changes, if any, might improve the team's form. 00:00 Introduction 01:36 Analysing United's Performance 02:53 City's Tactical Dominance 04:15 United's Flaws 06:02 Player Performance and System Critique 13:02 Managerial Decisions and Future Outlook 19:10 The Margins of Error 19:26 Player Quality and Trust Issues 20:51 Systemic Problems and Individual Errors 22:05 Managerial Stubbornness and Patience 24:14 Player Roles and Tactical Adjustments 30:56 Upcoming Matches and Managerial Future 31:58 Striker Dilemma and Squad Depth 32:57 Final Thoughts and Predictions If y

#913 | United went down 3-0 in the derby and Ed and Dominic pick through the wreckage. Same old problems - system creaking, individuals switching off, confidence evaporating. We dig into what’s going wrong, from Bruno’s role to the wider malaise running through the squad. Then it’s on to Amorim’s big picture - his vision for the future, whether United can wait for it, and if there’s even light at the end of this tunnel. Sobering stuff. 00:00 Intro00:31 City 3 United 0 - gut reaction01:43 Tactics - what (didn’t) work06:29 Shape and structure08:51 Players in focus28:42 Amorim - vision vs reality44:56 Standards at the club52:44 Chelsea up next56:01 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 yo

#912 | Ed and Andy from the Barmy Article Fanzine discuss Manchester United Women’s early season games, summer signings, and overall prospects this season. The conversation covers the effects of financial investment in women's football, including some big player transfers this summer. The convo switches to United’s European ambitions, and reflects on early wins this season and the impacts of new signings Jess Park, Julia Zigiotti Olme, and Fridolina Rolfo. The conversation ends with expectations for Chelsea, Arsenal, and the crucial upcoming fixtures, providing a comprehensive outlook for the season. 00:00 Introduction 01:24 State of Women's Football 05:06 Summer Transfer Window 19:03 Champions League Qualification 26:21 WSL Season Opener 29:36 Season 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 YouTu

#911 | Ed and Isabel discuss the final moves in the transfer market with the Premier League on hold over the international break. Then there are listener questions covering everything from the goalkeeper situation, Kobbie Mainoo, future transfer strategy, Bruno's role and youth prospects. 00:00 Introduction 01:20 Transfer Window Review 02:42 Goalkeeper Situation 03:30 Player Exits 06:17 Two Year Rule 07:13 Bruno's Future 09:56 Youth Prospects 11:47 Path to Title Contention 14:06 The Bomb Squad 23: 46 Squad Building 27:00 Data Strategy 35:00 Women's Team 37:00 Youth Strategy 42:26 Striker Options 45:23 Tactical Identity 47:25 United vs Arsenal Future 49:44 Closing 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. Le

#910 | Ed and Jamie dive into United's summer transfer activities, breaking down the numbers and strategies behind their £148 million net spend. They also analyze the financial and transfer strategies of other Premier League clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Newcastle. The hosts discuss player sales, acquisitions, and the financial implications for each team, offering a comprehensive overview of the current Premier League transfer landscape. 00:00 Introduction 00:28 Transfer Window Overview 03:07 United Sales: Garnacho to Chelsea 08:50 Hojlund Transfer to Napoli 11:05  Rashford and Sancho Loans 15:49 Antony Transfer to Real Betis 31:27 Mainoo Contract Situation 35:33 Liverpool's Transfer Window Analysis 38:52 Arsenal's Transfer Strategy  51:53 City's Window and Premier League Competition 56:05 Chelsea's Complex Transfer Dealings 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. Suppo

#909 | Ed, Dharnish and Daniel discuss United's narrow 3-2 victory over Burnley, the tactical implications of the match, and touch upon the Grimsby game. The conversation revolves around United's direct approach, the effectiveness of the approach, and the critical need to control games better. There’s plenty of chat about the midfield conundrum, pressing issues, and potential impact of new signings. They also ponder the upcoming tough fixtures, including facing Manchester City, and the challenges that Amorim faces.  00:00 Introduction  01:36 Analyzing United's Performance Against Burnley 03:39 Second Balls and Transitions 05:30 Challenges in Midfield Control 09:11 Wingbacks and Squad Depth Issues 12:06 Early Season Reflections  18:22 Midfield Challenges  20:12 Striker Issues  23:17 Pressing  26:33 Upcoming Fixtures  30:55 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. Support

#908 | Ed and Dan discuss Manchester United's victory over Burnley and its impact on their season. Their's relief in the win but ongoing issues with United's tactical setup under manager Amoirim. They explore the performance of key players and the deficiencies exposed in the recent games. There's an update on the transfer market and the discussion also touches on the women's team and their progress in the Champions League. 00:00 Introduction 05:23 Match Analysis: United 3-2 Burnley 32:00 Player Performances 54:55 Transfer Market Updates 59:47 Women's Team 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

#907 | Ed and Adam sift through a grim cup exit. United came back from two down but then blew it in the shoot-out. The bigger picture is far more important than one defeat to League Two opposition - another mess of a tactical performance, another goalkeeping error, more questions about the manager. Amorim’s ideas are still being bolted onto a mismatched squad, so compromises are everywhere. With the window closing situation is stark: exist must get done but its unclear anybody new is coming in. : And could on of those exits be totally unpalatable? 00:00 Introduction 01:22 Initial Tactical Analysis 05:16 Structural Problems 08:49 Second Half Analysis 20:03 Attacking Issues 43:50 Kobbie Mainoo Contract Situation 53:00 Transfer Window Updates 01:03:21 Closing Remarks 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