Spot of Bother

#839 | In this episode, Ed is joined by Duncan Drasdo and Andy Green from the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) to discuss the recent ticket price increases announced by Manchester United. Duncan and Andy discuss the 5% average price increase for tickets, policy changes affecting pensioners and under 16s, and the new categorisation scheme for tickets. They explore the broader financial implications, including match day revenues and the operational costs tied to the club's performance. The conversation also touches on the strained relations between fan groups and the club's new management, the necessity of understanding fans' perspectives, and the potential impact of dynamic pricing. The episode concludes with insights into stadium redevelopment plans, the challenges of financing the initiative, and the importance of maintaining a strong fan base. 00:00 Introduction 01:42 Overview of Price Increases 02:51 Impact on Different Fan Groups 03:55 Changes in Ticketing Policies 08:38 Consultation Process 12:41 Financial Challenges and Club's Strategy 23:32 Future of the Stadium and Financing 32:49 Final Thoughts About MUST As an organisation, MUST has evolved greatly over the years. From its origins as a fan shareholder pressure group and protest movement, MUST is now the largest Supporters Trust in the UK and works to give United fans the most influential voice possible. Its manifesto sets out the five ways it tries try to do that: – Representing fans' voices to the Club  – Campaigning on fans priorities  – Building a growing ownership stake for fans – – Standing up for fans, making sure they’re fairly treated – Always listening, so we represent fans' real views --- 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 Mars 39min

#838 | United thrash Leicester, Rasmus Hojlund actually scores goals, Bruno Fernandes excels in midfield yet again, Matthijs de Ligt is excellent at the back, and Ayden Heaven's impact. Are we seeing signs of improvement at last? Plenty to discuss with Ed, Dan and Dharnish. 00:00 Introduction 01:47 Analysing United's Tactics 05:21 Bruno Fernandes' Impact 11:54 Defensive Resilience 18:20 Injury Concerns 19:27 International Break 20:33 England Squad 21:28 Upcoming Matches 24:35 Garnacho's Potential 30:19 Final 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

17 Mars 34min

#836 | United beat Leicester on the road to move up to 13th place in the Premier League. Rasmus Hojlund scored for the first time in 21 games, Alejandro Garnacho broke his own goal drought, and Bruno smashed in a third. Things are beginning to click for Ruben Amorim's side. And yet, just as we thought we could have nice things, there's some terrible injury luck for Ayden Heaven. Ed and Wayne discuss. 00:00 Introduction 00:41 Match Overview 00:51 Injury Concerns and Player Performances 08:22 Premier League Quality and Competitiveness 12:57 Individual Player Evaluations 16:19 Signs of Progress 27:36 Ericsson's Physicality Issues 28:16 Ugarte's Role 29:10 Aydan Heaven's Injury Concerns 35:27 Ndidi's Controversial Tackle 43:44 Newcastle's Trophy 50:14 Hopes for United's Future 51:21 New Book Announcement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

17 Mars 57min

#835 | Ed and Tom look back on Manchester United's impressive 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad in the Europa League. There was plenty of entertainment, some controversial refereeing decisions, and several standout performances including Bruno Fernandes's hat-trick, a superb performance by Joshua Zirkzee, and a promising full debut from newcomer Ayden Heaven. The conversation also touches on United's strategic planning, future prospects, and upcoming fixtures, including the weekend's clash with Leicester. 00:00 Introduction 00:41 Match Overview 01:14 Referee Decisions and VAR Controversies 03:55 United's Performance and Key Players 10:11 Future Prospects 16:17 Celebrating the Win 18:43 Young Talent and Financial Strategy 24:30 Laughing at Jamie Carragher and Liverpool 26:29 United's Busy Week 27:28 Bruno Fernandes: The Indispensable Leader 31:25 Criticism from United Legends 39:36 Leicester City Preview 47:18 Wrapping Up 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

14 Mars 52min

#834 | Ed and Adam dive into the ambitious plans for a new Old Trafford, spearheaded by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The discussion covers mixed reactions to the design, the project's historical context, and fan group responses. They also talk about the significant role of government regulations, planning timelines, and the noticeable absence of the Glazer family in the launch. The hosts analyse the financial implications and potential impact on the club's future, including the broader economic benefits and challenges. They highlight the importance of integrating United's rich history into the new development and the need for fan consultation in the process. As Ed and Adam speculate on the logistics and timeline, they emphasise the project's potential to transform United's stadium experience and financial health. 00:00 Introduction 01:39 Initial Reactions to New Trafford 10:57 Government Regulations and Planning Timelines 19:36 Ownership and Future of the Club 22:13 Financing the Stadium 22:56 Fan Group Reactions 23:17 Debt Comparisons 24:28 Fan Engagement and Consultation Issues 34:34 Ownership Challenges 40:01 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

12 Mars 44min

#833 | Ed and Dharnish discuss the recent media spree by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, including his interviews with Gary Neville, Dan Roan, and various print outlets. They delve into the key points Ratcliffe and the PR strategies behind his remarks. The discussion also covers the financial challenges the club faces, Sir Jim's plans for the future including the new stadium announcement, and the impact of staff cuts on the club's operational efficiency and fan experience. They critique the effectiveness of Ratcliffe's communication with fans and speculate on the implications of his actions for the club's long-term success. 00:00 Introduction 00:22 Overview of Sir Jim's Interviews 01:24 Media Coverage and Public Perception 02:33 Financial Insights and Ownership Dynamics 04:56 Challenges and Criticisms 06:26 Strategic Decisions 12:00 Relationship with the Glazers 16:26 Gaslighting Fans 17:18 Revenue, Debt and Spending 20:34 Gary Neville's Role 22:28 Cost-Cutting Measures, Player Contracts 30:55 Stadium Announcement 31:40 Final 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

11 Mars 35min

#832 | United played out a hard-fought dead-rubber with perennial bridesmaids Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday. Before that thousands of United supporters protested against the ownership before the match. We've seen this picture for 20 years and yet with the club in a downward spiral, employees being fired, debt piling up and threats of ticket price rises on the horizon, there's more to be concerned about than ever. Ed and Dan discuss the game, the protests and then look forward to United's Europa League fixture against Real Sociedad on Thursday. 00:00 Introduction 00:45 Public Service Announcement 03:34 Manchester United Fan Protests 17:57 Match Analysis: Manchester United vs Arsenal 28:24 Victor Lindelof's and Ayden Heaven 31:33 Young Talents and Their Potential 40:22 Bruno Fernandes 44:26 United's Tactical Challenges 50:10 Europa League Hopes and Fears 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

11 Mars 59min

#831 | Dominic joins Ed to break down Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad in the Europa League. In many circumstances that's not a horrendous result. After all, United's record away to Spanish sides isn't exactly stellar. Yet, after controlling the style of game, Ruben Amorim's side very nearly collapsed after giving away a soft penalty. We've been here before. At least United didn't lose and should complete the job back at Old Trafford. 00:00 Introduction 01:39 Initial Reactions and Game Analysis 03:35 Player Performances 11:03 Injury Concerns and Squad Depth 23:52 Penalty Controversy and Mentality Issues 30:07 Inconsistencies in Football Refereeing 30:46 The Impact of VAR on Football 33:15 United's Current Injuries 34:27 Squad Limitations 47:25 Social Media's Influence on Players 51:40 Looking Ahead: Arsenal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

6 Mars 57min