The Pod Slams Shut

#884 | In this crossover episode of 'No Question About That' and 'The Promised Land' Ed chats to Scott Saunders, about a myriad of topics surrounding Manchester United. They address the unbearable summer heat, the impact of losing a close friend and podcast partner, and the challenges of recording content during the noisy summer months. Focus shifts to the football club's difficulties this past year, particularly the struggles with transfers and the inevitable media frenzy. They evaluate the club's state-of-the-union, potential incoming and outgoing transfers, and the importance of patience for fans during the rebuild process. There is a strong emphasis on the need for a new goalkeeper, striker, and midfielder to enhance the team's spine. The hosts also touch on player development, the intricacies of dealing with underperforming or high-wage players, and the financial realities facing the club. The Promised Land 00:00 Introduction  00:58 Remembering a Friend  02:08 Current State of the Club 04:04 Transfer Market Media Hysteria 10:33 Analyzing Potential New Signings 29:37 Bruno's Adaptation  31:27 Challenges with Market Dynamics 33:55 Financial Constraints and Ownership Issues 34:49 Contract Dilemmas 51:23 Youth Development  52:35 Reflections on the Club's State  55:00 Closing Remarks  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

30 Jun 1h

#883 | Ed talks to John McNicoll about his new book Wem-ber-lee, which looks back on the pivotal 1989-90 season. They cover the sacking of Ron Atkinson, Ferguson's early managerial struggles, and his job-saving FA Cup run featuring key figures like Lee Martin, Jim Leighton, and Mark Robins. McNicoll shares insights into the team's dynamics, crucial moments, and how this season set the stage for United's future successes. https://www.pitchpublishing.co.uk/shop/wem-ber-lee 00:00 Introduction 00:46 Synopsis of the Book 01:20 Genesis of the Book 02:27 Nostalgia and Historical Context 04:10 The Hunger Years 09:37 FA Cup Journey 13:23 The Final and Its Impact 18:34 Ferguson's Gamble and Legacy 24:30 The Importance of the Cup Final 27:27 Fan Discontent and Banner Incident 32:50 Squad Analysis and Injuries 37:12 Ferguson's Project and Future Success 39:51 Reflections 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

27 Jun 47min

#882 | Ed and Jamie talk about United's finances in this episode of "United Inc," including detailed analysis of the club's cash position, revealing a precarious situation compared to a few years ago. They also discuss the complexities and delays in player exits, including Marcus Rashford, Anthony, and Jadon Sancho, and the financial strategies underpinning these moves. The conversation extends to the broader market, touching on other clubs’ financial maneuvers, sell-on clauses, and implications for United. Additionally, the episode highlights the importance of the academy and loan systems in maintaining the club’s financial health and player development pipeline. 00:00 Introduction 02:33 United's Cash Position 14:48 Transfer Market Dynamics 19:46 Player Sales Analysis 45:37 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 about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

25 Jun 50min

No Question About That is the original independent fan-published podcast covering Manchester United. Hosted by Ed, with contributions from Dan, Tom, Wayne, Dharnish, Jamie, Adam, Dominic and Isabel. NQAT covers the latest games, news, business, politics and fan culture at the world’s best supported club. There are two main shows each week, a tactics show and a football finance show, with the occasional interview to spice things up. For backers on Patreon and Apple Podcasts we produce NQAT Extra weekly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

25 Jun 1min

#881 | Ed and Adam discuss United's approach to buying a striker in transfer window, ticket prices, fixtures and more changes in the academy set up. United face a significant challenge adding to the squad this summer with complex negotiations happening for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, while the club reportedly looks at alternatives to Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres. In what order should the club prioritise different positions while navigating a tight budget? Off the pitch recent ticket pricing changes have hit fans, while the structure of the youth academy comes under scrutiny with the news that Nick Cox is leaving. Then there's an in-depth interview with United CEO Omar Berrada by Andy Mitten in UWS. 00:00 Introduction00:42 Transfer Window Challenges04:55 Fixture List Analysis10:29 Ticket Pricing Controversy20:22 Berrada Interview31:46 Nick Cox's Departure38:50 Striker Dilemma41:30 Squad Building43:44 Holistic Approach to Strengthening the Team58:29 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 and write a review. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

19 Jun 1h 3min

#880 | Ed and Dharnish discuss United's upcoming tactical shifts given three (potential) new signings coming on board including Matteus Cunha, Bryan Mbuemo, and Viktor Gyökeres. They highlight the need for better progression out of defence and the tactical roles of new and existing players in Ruben Amorim's second season. The conversation also touches on the financial aspects of transfers and the necessity of selling some current players to balance the books. 00:00 Introduction 02:59 Discussing Last Season and Need for Rebuild 04:20 Transfer Strategy and New Signings 06:47 Tactical Analysis of New Attack 09:20 Player Profiles: Cunha and Mbeumo 31:47 Striker Options and Osimhen Discussion 38:22 Transfer Outgoings and Squad Management 43:48 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 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

11 Jun 50min

#879 | Ed and Jamie (aka Sub-Prime Goals) analyse Manchester United's latest Q3 financial report. They discuss the positive outcomes, including a 22% reduction in wages and the impact of key player transfers on the club’s finances. The discussion also covers the restructuring process led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, potential summer transfers, and the implications of the financial shifts for next season. 📖 CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:21 Financial Restructuring and Impact 05:29 Player Wages and Transfer Impact 10:44 Challenges and Future Strategies 16:34 Sponsorships and Financial Health 23:15 Financial Exclusions and FX Concerns 25:02 Public Listing Disadvantages 26:18 Transfer Window and Squad Strategy 32:46 Potential Risks in Transfer Market 36:10 Leadership Changes and Future Plans 39:11 Premier League Financial Maneuvers 42:18 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 and write a review. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

7 Jun 48min

#878 | Ed and Dominic discuss the whirlwind start to Manchester United's transfer window amidst the backdrop of the FIFA Club World Cup. They analyse the confirmed signing of Matteus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5 million, breaking down the financial structuring of the deal and his potential impact on the team. They analyse Bryan Mbeuno's potential signature and dive into potential exits, including scenarios surrounding Rashford, Garnacho, Antony and Sancho. They debate the broader implications of these moves on squad dynamics, formation strategies, and financial flexibility. Additionally, the roles of current stars like Bruno and Amad are scrutinised. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the team's need for a new goalkeeper, potential candidates, and broader squad improvements required for the season ahead. 00:00 Introduction 01:52 Matteus Cunha Transfer Details 06:17 Financial Implications and Club Strategy 09:20 Player Dynamics and Social Media Impact 15:33 Squad Changes and Tactical Considerations 24:37 Amad and Bruno's Roles 26:33 Midfield Weaknesses and Tactical Concerns 40:38 Goalkeeper Dilemmas 45:58 Financial Analysis and Future Prospects 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 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

4 Jun 51min