#992 | Ed and Tom fill the long international and FA Cup break by running through United players on international duty and broader World Cup qualifying storylines, including England experiments under Thomas Tuchel. Maguire and Mainoo featured, there's notes on Portugal, with Bruno’s backheeled assist a hightlight, Brazil featured Casemiro’s return and Senne Lemmens played for Belgium. United announce friendlies in Helsinki, Stockholm, Gothenburg), Dublin and Wrocław. Then there's is a reflection on United Women’s recent slump, squad depth, poor crowds. Recorded before United took on Bayern in the Champions League on Wednesday. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 02:58 Home Nations World Cup Qualification 03:16 England Players: Maguire, Mainoo and Rashford 05:04 Mainoo and Elliot Anderson Partnership 08:27 England's Attacking Concerns 16:25 World Cup Access and Travel Bans 18:00 Portugal and Brazil Internationals 22:53 World Cup Groups 28:16 United Summer Preseason Friendlies 34:18 Loan Players 37:03 United Women 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

#991 | Ed sits down with George Baker to check in on FC United’s progress this season. The club is top of the Northern Premier League in a tight title race with Hednesford and Hebburn. Ed and George talk about the run-in, progress that has been made this season, and how the club remains the antidote to commercialisation in the Premier League. 00:00 Introduction 00:27 Season to Date 07:00 Key Players and the Manager 10:30 The Title Race and Run-In 13:39 Easter Monday: The Big Decider 15:36 Non-League Growth, Manchester United's Failings 16:42 Fan Ownership vs. Football Corruption 34:18 Non-League Football's Global Rise 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

#990 | Ed and Dharnish review Bournemouth 2–2 United - a game in which United were robbed by referee Stuart Atwell. One moment turning down a penalty for a clear foul on Amad, the next moment, watching Bournemouth score. Inexplicably, Atwell then gave a penalty and a red card for a foul by Harry Maguire. Soft as fuck. But, apart from crap refereeing, United performed well for a half, creating plenty of chances before a quieter second half. What does this mean for the top four race and Michael Carrick's chances of getting the big job? See you in 24 days. 00:00 Introduction 02:14 Referee Controversy 13:14 Fullbacks: Shaw and Dalot 16:42 Midfield, Casemiro's Replacement 25:23 Top Four Race 34:17 Should Carrick Stay Permanently? 46:06 Remaining Fixtures 49:07 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

#989 | Ed and Jamie discuss a Premier League settlement with Chelsea over £47 million worth of undisclosed, off-book payments to players, agents and third parties from 20011–2018, involving names including Samuel Eto’o, Eden Hazard and David Luiz. The £10m fine and suspended transfer/youth-player bans show inconsistent rule enforcement versus PSR points deductions for clubs like Everton and could weaken the Premier League’s position in Manchester City’s case, while signalling cooperation and ownership change can reduce sporting sanctions. It's incredibly lenient. There's an examination of how a Gulf-wide conflict has driven crude oil from about $65 to ~$105, pressuring INEOS’ thin-margin, highly leveraged petrochemicals business, potentially delaying or complicating refinancing at INEOS and United amid reduced prospects of Fed interest rate cuts. The conversation finishes on the potential impact around United's new stadium in a high-rate, high-cost environment. 00:00 Introduction 03:09 Chelsea's Off-Book Payments 07:09 Premier League's Lenient Penalty 17:45 Implications for Man City's Case 20:23 The Abramovich Fund 22:15 War in the Gulf and Oil Price Shock 28:33 Impact on United's Refinancing and Ownership 32:43 New Stadium Challenges 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

#988 | Ed, Dharnish and Daniel review United’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa, praising a patient approach after a quiet first half against Villa’s high line and mid-block. The episode covers the role of United's flexible front three, how Casemiro and Mainoo controlled midfield, Bruno's flexible positioning, and United's dominance at the back. Then we look ahead to the game against Bournemouth on Friday night 00:00 Intro and Match Reaction 04:35 Cunha's Role and the Left Side 09:38 Bruno's Freedom 10:39 Dalot, Shaw and the Full-backs 15:06 Villa's Setup 21:07 Casemiro and Mainoo 23:19 Best Starting XI 29:11 Bournemouth Preview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#987 | Ed and Tom discuss Manchester United’s 3–1 win over Aston Villa, a strangely low-intensity match that still moved United closer to securing Champions League football. It might have started slowly, but United’s second-half, shaped by Bruno Fernandes’ brilliance, Casemiro’s head, and Benjamin Sesko’s ability off the bench, were enough to secure the points. It’s a bit odd how slowly United start in these games under Carrick. Is the team undercooked or is it something more fundamental? With European football on the horizon, the conversation turns to summer needs - midfielders, fullbacks, a left-sided forward, and possibly a centre back. But will it be Carrick at the wheel? 00:00 Match Review: United 3-1 Aston Villa 04:02 Casimiro's Set Piece Quality 05:57 Bruno Fernandes: Best in the League 11:15 Sesko, Mbeumo and Wide Areas 15:46 Summer Transfers 25:54 Carrick: Right Man for United? 39:36 Squad Building 47:22 United's Financial Position 55:00 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

#986 | It’s a quiet news week at United but Ed and Dominic preview Sunday’s crucial Old Trafford match vs Aston Villa in a very tight Champions League race. United need both points and a convincing performance after uneven recent displays. There are concerns about squad fitness, slow starts, and breaking down low blocks. There’s some chat about poor first-leg Champions League results for English clubs and the potential impact on the Premier League’s coefficient and fifth-place qualification. Plenty of mirth over Spurs’ collapse under Igor Tudor and relegation fears/hopes, Liverpool’s ongoing issues, and Chelsea’s flakiness. 00:00 Introduction 02:40 Champions League: Premier League Struggles 06:41 Arsenal Analysis 09:45 Tottenham's Crisis 14:16 Transfer Market 18:36 Liverpool: Slot Under Pressure 18:54 Victor Osimhen and Galatasaray 27:48 Chelsea's Inconsistency 30:58 United vs Villa Preview 37:05 United News and Injury Concerns 44:18 Left Side Problem 49:02 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

#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

#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