Rant Cast

#935 | Jamie and Ed unpack Manchester United’s latest financial and managerial storylines, starting with the team’s current form before diving into the numbers behind Rúben Amorim’s first year at Old Trafford. They break down the true cost of hiring Amorim and sacking Erik ten Hag - a figure approaching £30 million - and explore how those decisions ripple through United’s league position, revenues, and PSR compliance. The discussion moves through squad rebuild strategy, wage bill analysis, and the financial upside of European competition, before touching on Jason Wilcox’s revealing new interview about structure, strategy, and the next phase of transfer planning. The show closes with a look at investment in the women’s team and the potential business logic behind January’s transfer window. 00:00 Introduction 02:07 Amorim’s Appointment and Transfer Spending 09:27 Squad Rebuild Strategy and Player Turnover 15:14 League Position, Revenue Impact, and European Qualification 24:27 PSR Compliance and Financial Hea

#934 | Ed and Dominic are back to pick through the debris — literal and metaphorical. From wild weather to the storm clouds still hovering over Manchester United, there’s plenty to talk about ahead of the trip to Spurs. The pair dig into United’s recent run under Rúben Amorim, what’s clicking, what’s not, and how the side might line up against Thomas Frank's Tottenham. There’s chat about Wayne Rooney’s latest foray into punditry (and his minor skirmish with Virgil van Dijk), as well as his future on the touchline. Ed and Dom also unpack Jason Wilcox’s Inside Carrington interview - a rare look inside United’s new football structure — before diving into transfer talk, academy prospects, and how January might reshape the squad. Expect thoughts on Rashford, Højlund, Šeško, and a few names who could be off to AFCON. A packed episode of tactics, transfers, and just a hint of chaos. 00:00 Introduction 01:55 Wayne Rooney’s Punditry 09:38 Jason Wilcox on Inside Carrington 19:55 Transfer Talk & Player Performances

#933 | Ed and Daniel unpack United’s 2–2 draw with Nottingham Forest - a result that both felt like two points ... and a measure of United's renewed character. They break down the key moments: defensive lapses, flashes of attacking quality, and Amad Diallo’s stunning goal that gained United a point. There’s analysis of United’s shape, midfield balance, and why the back three still doesn’t quite convince. The conversation wanders through hangover football, Forest’s proud history, and the broader dysfunction across football, from financial chaos to ownership farce. They also weigh up United’s January transfer options, Amad’s emerging role, and what needs to change to turn momentum into consistency. 00:00 Introduction 01:39 Match Analysis: Forest vs United 04:17 Player Performances 08:11 Midfield Dynamics 14:02 Defensive Challenges 16:14 Goals and Controversies 20:39 System Inconsistencies 24:06 Amad’s Brilliant Goal and Its Impact 27:14 Challenges Faced by Sheffield Wednesday 33:09 Upcoming Matches and Team P

#932 | Ed and Adam break down Manchester United’s upturn in form - and the growing sense that Rúben Amorim’s ideas are finally taking hold. From the cynicism of a month ago to whispers of Champions League qualification (steady on), the mood around Old Trafford has changed fast. We dig into United’s more direct, vertical style, Casemiro’s resurgence, and Bruno Fernandes’ rediscovered influence in Amorim’s system. The conversation moves to the small tactical tweaks - in pressing shape, passing, and roles - that have helped unlock a sharper, more confident team. Beyond the pitch, there’s talk of Liverpool’s struggles, Forest’s chaos, and how AFCON absences could test the squad’s depth this winter just as momentum returns. The episode closes with cautious optimism and a look at United’s next step in the rebuild - both on the field and off it. 00:00 Introduction 04:26 Tactical Changes Under Amorim 10:06 Casemiro’s Resurgence 16:31 Liverpool’s Struggles 23:57 Nottingham Forest’s Managerial Chaos 30:03 Approachin

#931 | Ed, Dharnish, and Daniel unpack Manchester United’s three-match winning streak and the tactical shifts driving it. The conversation explores Ruben Amorim’s evolving setup - the changing press and out-of-possession shape, the role of the front three, Luke Shaw's tweaked role, Bruno's excellence in midfield. And how it all came together against Brighton. Beyond Old Trafford, the trio touch on Liverpool’s wobble, weaknesses in other top-six rivals, and how the African Cup of Nations could reshape the season. It’s an episode full of tactical detail and a bit of optimism. 0:00 - Introduction 4:40 - Defensive Compactness and Structure 9:10 - Forward Combinations 13:40 - Martinez's Upcoming Return and Impact 18:10 - Margins and Set Pieces 22:40 - Liverpool Analysis and Squad Flaws 28:20 - League Depth and Top Four Race 36:10 - 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 episo

#930  | Cunha Believe It: United Hit Four Past Brighton Ed and Dan team break down United’s 4–2 win over Brighton - one of the most complete attacking performances of the season. They celebrate standout showings from Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško, whose link-up play and pressing intensity set the tone for the victory. The discussion dives into Amorim’s tactical tweaks, the balance between direct transitions and controlled possession, and how United’s new-look front line is starting to click. There’s also a look at Anthony Taylor’s latest refereeing circus, and what this win means for United’s confidence heading into a packed winter schedule. Somewhere in there, the lads detour briefly to Ibiza nightlife and dodgy club remixes - but quickly return to the football, we promise. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:49 Match Overview 05:12 Key Players & Performances 12:17 Tactical Analysis 28:38 Referee Decisions 34:49 Squad & Transfers Discussion 49:21 Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up If you are

#929 | Ed and Tom unpack a busy few days on and off the pitch. From Manchester United’s dramatic late win over Liverpool, it’s been a rare stretch of joy in the Unitedverse. The discussion turns to Saturday’s trip to Brighton, a fixture that’s brought more pain than pleasure in recent years. The hosts assess how United can approach the game tactically, and what’s needed to avoid another defeat to the Seagulls. There’s analysis of potential new midfield arrivals - and their suitability for Amorim’s system, before focusing on the promising rise of JJ Gabriel, training with the first team this week. What does his inclusion signal about United’s renewed commitment to the academy pathway? The conversation also celebrates Bruno Fernandes’ 300th appearance for the club - reflecting on his influence, leadership, and what his longevity says about the standards he’s set. And from Manchester to Catalonia, Ed and Tom check in on Marcus Rashford’s resurgence at Barcelona and what it reveals about his turbulent final y

#928 | Ed, Dharnish and Daniel discuss the tactical nuances of United's win at Anfield. Key highlights include United's direct approach and effective box defending that led to their first win at Anfield in nine years. The conversation also touches on the team's formation choices, the importance of summer signings, and the challenges of sustaining their current tactics against different opponents like Brighton and Nottingham Forest. 00:00 Introduction 02:17 United's History at Anfield 03:34 Team Selection and Tactics 06:29 Casemiro and Midfield Balance 08:38 Direct and Long Ball Strategy 14:03 Approach Against Liverpool's High Press 16:14 Bruno Fernandes and Midfield Progression 20:58 Summer Signings Assessment 24:36 Looking Ahead to Brighton 31:35 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 o

#927 | Ed and Dominic Booth unpack Manchester United’s dramatic late win at Anfield - a result that defied form, logic, and recent history. They reflect on the emotion of the moment, United’s defensive resilience, and standout performances from Harry Maguire and Mattheus Cunha. The discussion moves through United’s tactical approach and the decisions that turned the game. There’s debate about squad depth, playing style, and how far United still are from the Premier League’s elite. The pair also take on media narratives, goalkeeper questions, and the women’s team’s Champions League success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction – Victory at Anfield 02:02 Harry Maguire’s Winning Header 04:06 Match Analysis 12:06 Substitutions and Tactical Changes 15:25 Playing Style vs Deep Blocks 18:59 The “Crisis Club” Narrative 24:57 Senne Lammans 32:11 Team Selection Dilemmas for Brighton 37:31 Defensive Balance 40:57 Media Reaction 46:18 Liverpool’s Four-Game Losing Streak 47:52 Nottingham Forest Managerial Chaos 51:28 United Wome

#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