No Question About That - a Manchester United podcast

#985 | Ed, Daniel, and Dharnish react to United’s 2–1 loss at Newcastle, focusing on a flat, low-energy second half and a missed chance to beat 10 men while the Champions League race remains tight. Carrick’s honeymoon has faded as recent performances show recurring issues: opponents pressing man-to-man to block central progression, limited ball progression without Lisandro Martínez, and little attacking width due to problems at fullback. Newcastle’s 3v3 midfield control and second-half 4-3-2 shape forced United into low-probability strategies and long balls. What could Carrick have done better - in shape, tactics, and substitutions? Then, there’s Villa up next and Unai Emery’s very specific brand of football. 00:00 Intro and Initial Reactions 03:30 Newcastle's Tactical Dominance 09:17 United's Attacking Problems 11:05 Squad Balance & Player Roles 17:34 Carrick's Future 18:54 Preview: Aston Villa 26:49 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 your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#984 | Ed and Dominic react to United’s 2–1 defeat at Newcastle - the first loss of the Michael Carrick era. It was a particularly flat, listless performance despite Newcastle going down to 10 men. Bruno Fernandes created eight chances but for the most part the rest of the team let their captain and manager down. Why were United so flat and why couldn't the team control the game despite having a man extra? There were moments of refereeing controversy, but in the end United's lack of physicality and squad depth showed against the Magpies once again. 00:00 Introduction 01:37 Why United Looked Flat 05:50 Red Card And Major Calls 08:30 Full Back and Midfield Struggles 13:28 Summer Midfield Rebuild 20:46 Transfer Strategy Concerns 23:04 What Happened To Ugarte 27:08 Control vs Chaos 35:17 Squad Balance Blueprint 40:00 Standards and Context 44:42 Sign Off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#983 | Ed and Dharnish review United’s win over Crystal Palace, focusing on a poor, flat first-half marked by weak progression from the back, Palace’s press clogging central areas around Casemiro/Mainoo/Bruno. There’s a discussion about United’s left-sided imbalance amid injuries to Shaw, Martínez, and Dorgu. There was improved intensity after halftime and some decisive Bruno Fernandes passing that led to a penalty and red card, shifting control and eventually a winner.  United leaned on crossing and set-piece threat, including the winning goal from Benjamin Šeško, whose finishing and overall output since Carrick’s arrival are the story of the past seven games. There’s a chat about midfield transition risks, Palace’s pattern of dropping strikers into midfield, and a brief touch on what rivals for the Champions League places are doing. The episode wraps with a tactical preview of Newcastle on Wednesday. 00:00 Introduction 02:07 First Half Analysis 09:00 Cunha's Role and Width Issues 11:01 Second Half Turnaround 14:00 Sesko and United's Attack 21:07 Champions League Race 23:02 Newcastle Preview 28:00 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 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

#982 | Ed and Daniel review United’s 2–1 win over Crystal Palace. Victory marked by slow buildup and low urgency, helped by a penalty and a red card, but ultimately Michael Carrick’s adjustments brought improved control and sustained pressure. There are still issues in buildup, at fullback and Palace were able to get behind United’s midfield. And yet United were good enough to see it out and move third in the Premier League table. It’s another goal and assist for Bruno - and one more for in-form Benjamin Šeško’s as well.  Then we move on to Newcastle away on Wednesday night. 00:00 Introduction 01:48 First Half Performance Issues 06:17 Tactical Changes and Second Half 14:11 Penalty and Red Card  16:40 Goals 27:17 Player Performances 36:49 Newcastle Preview 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

#981 | Ed and Wayne record a Friday-night pod focused on Manchester United’s finances and Sunday’s match against Crystal Palace. The financial results held few surprises aside from the scale and persistence of United’s debt. The long-term “millstone” that just won’t go away. Football fans want to watch football not become finance experts, but here we are anyway. Two years after Ratcliffe’s takeover is his strategy working … and at what cost?  Then we shift gear to focus on Sunday’s game against a fatigued, depleted Palace. Will Michael Carrick tweak things with a midweek game to follow. The big taking point - will in-form Benjamin Šeško start? 00:00 Introduction 01:19 Financial Results Discussion 14:52 Ratcliffe Ownership Strategy 21:05 Crystal Palace Preview 27:10 Glasner's Situation at Palace 32:41 Carrick's Tactical Approach 39:11 Match Preview 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

#980 | Ed and Jamie review Manchester United’s fiscal 2026 second-quarter results, arguing the numbers look bullish despite no European competition: revenues held up, EBITDA is strong, and the club posted an operating profit of just over £30m. They credit Ineos’ restructuring - about £50m a year removed from the cost base, including redundancies and efforts to rationalise player wages - with improving the club’s financial foundations, while noting debt remains high, cash is low (~£44m), and historic transfer payables are absorbing cashflow. They discuss how Champions League qualification could add ~£80–100m revenue and how Premier League squad-cost rules may help. They flag major debt maturities in 2027 and 2029 and expect refinancing to increase interest costs, plus brief updates on stadium plans, shareholding movement, and optimism driven by improved results and recruitment. 00:00 Introduction 04:12 Cost Restructuring & Wage Bill 13:48 Revenue Breakdown 17:53 Champions League Impact & Future Outlook 20:17 Debt Refinancing Discussion 26:36 Stadium Development & 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 your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#979 | Ed and Dan look back on  United’s 1–0 win at Everton. It was functional rather than convincing but a vital three points as United close in on a return to the Champions League. There’s plenty of praise for another excellent Senne Lammens performance in goal under heavy pressure from Everton’s agricultural set-piece routines. When, if ever, are referees going to protect goalkeepers who are now routinely fouled? It’s all Mikel Arteta’s fault. Despite the victory, was this another case of United struggling to break down a low-block until Benjamin Sesko’s entrance on the hour? The striker now has six goals in his past seven appearances but should he have been on from the start? United will face another team willing to sit deep at the weekend, with struggling Palace at Old Trafford. Surely time to change it up in attack. 00:00 Introduction 01:46 Senne Lammens’ performance 06:23 Sesko's Goal, Squad Rotation 10:01 Set Pieces 18:06 Kobbie Mainoo and Midfield Control 23:51 Squad Depth and Youth Players 33:43 Spurs Relegation Battle 38:24 Women's Team 40:31 Crystal Palace 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

#978 | Ed and Adam suffer through the long wait for United men to play again. In the meantime they enjoy United Women’s 5–0 aggregate win over Atlético Madrid to reach the Women’s Champions League quarterfinals. It’s been a strong performance from the team so far this season despite the often critical reception to manager Marc Skinner. There’s a deep-dive on United’s strategy behind revamping midfield in the summer - Anderson, Wharton, Baleba, Tonali … somebody else? That group will include Kobbie Mainoo, with reports this week that negotiations over a new contract are underway now that he is back in the first team under Michael Carrick. The under-18s beat Oxford in the Youth Cup and there’s even more hype around 15-year-old JJ Gabriel. Finally a preview of Everton away at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium. Everton have enjoyed a solid season under David Moyes. How will Carrick approach this one after West Ham’s solid defensive performance last time out? Is it time for Benjamin Šeško to start? 00:00 Introduction 00:27 United Women's Success 05:48 Arsenal vs City Title Race 13:23 Mainoo Contract & Midfield Targets 21:49 Evaluating Midfield Options 30:13 Transfer Strategy 35:41 Youth Academy & JJ Gabriel 39:29 Everton Preview 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

#977 | Michael Carrick’s audition continues. With four wins from five, including victories over Arsenal and City, Ed, Dharnish and Daniel break down what we’ve actually learned about Carrick’s “game model” so far. Is this a sustainable tactical evolution or a short-term bounce? And how should United approach the next run of fixtures, starting with Everton? The discussion covers why West Ham’s low block caused problems; the emergence of a clear tactical identity under Carrick; increased player proximity, rotations and front-foot football; the midfield rebuild that’s clearly coming in the summer; and whether Carrick should already be the frontrunner for the permanent job There’s optimism. There are caveats. And there’s still the small matter of breaking down stubborn, compact sides. Momentum matters, but so does long-term planning. 00:00 Introduction and weekend football  02:00 West Ham analysis 08:45 What is Carrick’s “game model”? 16:10 Defensive evolution 19:00 Everton preview 22:00 Momentum or reality check? 25:00 Long-term future 29:30 Momentum, expectations & what comes next 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

#976 | A listener mailbag episode with Wayne and Ed, recorded during a gap in the men's fixture list (though United Women notched a seventh straight win). Wayne's been deep in writing a book on an under-explored era of United history, with fascinating cross-era player comparisons. Listener questions drive wide-ranging discussion: the ongoing burden of Glazer debt and whether Ratcliffe's involvement changes anything meaningful; the stadium regeneration plan; and pointed criticism of Ratcliffe's public comments, staff cuts, ticket price hikes, and chaotic decision-making - even as the org chart and finances have arguably improved. On football: the Wilcox-Amorim dynamic and where "oversight" crosses into interference; whether Michael Carrick’s audition is going well; and why Ole's tenure deserves more respect than it gets. On the squad: Bruno Fernandes is irreplaceable, midfield needs a serious rebuild if Casemiro and Ugarte leave, the striker situation remains an area for more depth, and youth prospects offer some hope. 00:00 Intro 01:29 Wayne's Writing Projects 07:06 Ownership & Stadium Questions 13:06 Jim Ratcliffe's Comments 20:10 Jason Wilcox & Ruben Amorim 31:40 Michael Carrick Discussion 38:38 Bruno Fernandes Questions 43:20 Midfield & Transfer Needs 47:24 Striker Situation 51:34 Center Back & Youth Prospects 54:49 Most Damaging Post-Fergie Match 58:30 Fun Questions & Outro 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

#975 | Ed and Dharnish discuss United's 1-1 draw with West Ham. It’s the first draw of the Michael Carrick era - second act - and Nuno’s low-block caused plenty of challenges. Why were United so flat? Was it tiredness after a second game in three days or just too many players off their game? There’s plenty of talk about Casemiro’s role and how United might replace him, another strong Kobbie Mainoo performance, and an outstanding goal from substitute Benjamin Sesko. Could the Slovenian have started this one given West Ham’s tactics? 00:00 Introduction  00:57 March Breakdown 03:50 Carrick's Strategy 09:55 Defensive Concerns 16:47 Casemiro's Role 22:46 Analyzing Player Performances 24:48 Transfer Market 29:34 Match Against Everton 37:42 Concluding 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

#974 | United put in a dominant and convincing 2-0 win over Spurs. How much of that was down to Cristian Romero's red card and how much United’s quality? Ed and Dan dig into it. There’s plenty of chat around Kobbie Mainoo’s growing influence in midfield, how the Casemiro-Mainoo-Bruno balance is clicking, and Lisandro Martinez’s influence at centre-back. Plus, Bruno's evolving role.  There’s a nod to United Women’s good form and then a look ahead to West Ham away on Tuesday night. 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Romero Red Card  03:34 Mainoo's Development 08:51 Carrick's Management Style 15:14 Arsenal Title Challenge 24:07 Amorim's Legacy 33:26 West Ham Preview 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

#973 | Ed and Jamie dive into United's quiet transfer window, what it means for the summer budget and the inevitable trade-offs between long-term planning and short-term risks. There's a discussion about the club's commercial performance, where new revenue might come from and the curious case of Avram Glazer bidding for an IPL franchise. 00:00 Introduction 01:53 Why United Held Fire in January 09:19 Summer Transfer Budget  12:42 Academy Value  18:51 Commercial & Sponsorship Gaps 21:41 Fan Experience 28:56 Financial Sustainability 33:13 Media Strategy & Glazer IPL Bid 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

#972 | Ed and Adam discuss United’s decision not to reinforce the squad in the winter transfer window. Sensible long-term financial planning or one injury away from disaster? Perhaps both, with United in a great position to qualify for the Champions League next season and deeply reliant on Casemiro’s revival in central midfield. There’s a celebration of United’s revival under Michael Carrick. Will it continue this weekend against a Spurs side desperately out-of-form and unhappy with manager Thomas Frank. There are reports of concerns about the club’s commercial underperformance - at least relative to rivals who have overtaken United. What do the Glazers expect?  Finally, it’s the anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster. Ed and Adam pay respects. 00:00 Introduction 04:11 Transfer Window Review 08:46 Squad Depth 10:39 Champions League Race 21:01 Commercial Performance 27:21 Munich Air Disaster Anniversary 30:23 Tottenham Preview 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

#971 | Ed, Dharnish, and Daniel look back on United's recent 3-2 victory over Fulham - with a focus on the tactical decisions and performance. Key topics include pressing and out-of-possession challenges, the proactive and vertical play under 'Carrick Ball,' midfield balance, and the crucial contributions from Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro. The conversation also looks at Matteus Cunha’s role and how the club might be thinking about midfield next summer. 00:00 Introduction - Three Wins on the Bounce 01:39 United's Pressing & Out of Possession Issues 05:38 Carrick-Ball - Verticality & Proactiveness 14:50 Manuel Ugarte Problem 17:13 Bruno Fernandes & Summer Midfield Plans 19:53 Lisandro Martinez Masterclass 27:15 Cunha's Free Role & Front Three Fluidity 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

#970 |  Ed and Dan dissect United’s late victory over Fulham at Old Trafford. What an impact Michael Carrick has had in his three games in charge! From key tactical shifts, to a new attacking intent, and the squad's spirt - it’s been a good couple of weeks.  On the pitch, there was another outstanding performance from Casimiro and some fine goals as well. United are in a very good position to make European competition next season. Which one? We’ll find out over the next 14 games.  Off the pitch, another protest against the owners but the options for change are very limited. Finally, United face Spurs next week. Another chance for revenge for Bilbao. 00:00 Introduction 02:41 Casemiro's Resurgence 04:21 Midfield Needs 05:58 Penalty Decisions 13:28 Champions League Race 22:02 Sesko's Performance 33:51 Glazer Protests 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

#969 | Ed and Wayne preview the upcoming United vs. Fulham match, which will present a different challenge to recent victories over Arsenal and City. There’s a brief review of United’s (lack of) transfer market activity. There may be outgoings although even that seems unlikely this winter. There’s changes in the coaching ranks amid the age-group teams. And Collette Roche has a new job as the head of the new stadium project. 00:00 Introduction 01:45 Transfer Window Discussion 10:45 Under-21 Coaching Changes 15:20 Stadium Development & Ownership 27:10 Supporter Protests 38:33 Fulham Match Preview 51:29 Carrick's Tactical Challenge 61:00 Close 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

#968 | Ed, Daniel, and Dharnish analyse United's thrilling 3-2 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates. They discuss key tactical elements, including the pivotal roles of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez in breaking Arsenal's lines with their passing, and the effective nullification of Arsenal's attacking threat. There’s plenty of chat about United's combination play in tight spaces and the tactical adjustments under Michael Carrick. The episode also touches on Arsenal's struggles to find creative solutions and reflects on the broader implications for their title challenge. Looking ahead, the hosts consider United's tactical approach for upcoming matches against Fulham and Tottenham. We back, baby. The fuckin’ biiiiiigest. 00:00 Introduction 03:24 McGuire & Martinez: Line-Breaking Passes 08:55 Small Space Combinations & Rondos 14:07 Defensive Organization & Out of Possession 18:15 Arsenal's Limitations & Tactical Issues 21:51 Looking Ahead: Fulham & Spurs 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

#967 | Ed and Dan celebrate United’s thrilling 3-2 victory at Arsenal. Michael Carrick, football genius? Bryan Mbeumo, football genius. Mattheus Cunha, football genius. Patrick Dorgu, football genius. Bloody hell. United scored three worldie goals. Arsenal hacked a couple in. This was a performance that could salvage a season. 00:00 Introduction 04:23 Tactical Insights and Strategies 11:32 Arsenal's Midfield  17:54 Managerial Changes and Future Prospects 28:43 Set Pieces 30:21 Player Performances  32:23 VAR Decisions and Controversies 33:41 Managerial Tactics  36:15 Upcoming Fixtures  42:33 Fan Reactions and Internet Culture 50:29 Concluding 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

#966 | Ed and Jamie discuss the latest Deloitte Money League rankings that see United in eighth place overall and fourth in England. They explore the financial implications of the Glazer family's ownership, the impact of missing out on Champions League money, and comparisons with other top European clubs. The episode also touches on Casemiro’s exit, along with potential other departures, and how this could affect United's wage bill and financial strategy. Additionally, the discussion includes insights on the Women's Deloitte Money League and the evolving business models in women's football. 00:00 Introduction 00:50 Deloitte Money League - Men's Game 08:12 Premier League Dominance 16:56 Women's Football Money League 18:44 Broadcasting & Paywalls 23:49 Casemiro Departure 29:04 Wage Strategy & Squad Reset 35:24 Transfer Window & Future Plans 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