The Tactics Show: Failed System, Failed Principles

#915 | Jamie and Ed dig into United’s full-year 2025 results - headline number: record revenue of £666 million. That’s the good news. The rest is a little murkier. They pick apart Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Omar Berrada’s financial playbook, the Europa League bump that inflated the top line, and the bullish outlook for 2026. There’s plenty of risk too - miss out on Europe again and the house of cards wobbles. The pod takes in transfer profits, debt and credit facilities, and whether the new regime can actually tame United’s long-running addiction to commercial cash. Sponsorships are up, but so are the questions: how sustainable is this model if results on the pitch keep tanking? Finally, the lads look ahead to future reports, stadium and infrastructure investment, and what it all means for United’s ability to compete in the market. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:27 Financial performance - revenue, profit, league impact 06:29 Debt position and the credit facility shuffle 10:53 Future outlook and 2026 guidance 14:46 Transfers, player sales, amortisation 17:59 Sponsorships and commercial deals 22:28 Infrastructure investment and future reports 27:46 Closing remarks 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

17 Sep 32min

#913 | United went down 3-0 in the derby and Ed and Dominic pick through the wreckage. Same old problems - system creaking, individuals switching off, confidence evaporating. We dig into what’s going wrong, from Bruno’s role to the wider malaise running through the squad. Then it’s on to Amorim’s big picture - his vision for the future, whether United can wait for it, and if there’s even light at the end of this tunnel. Sobering stuff. 00:00 Intro00:31 City 3 United 0 - gut reaction01:43 Tactics - what (didn’t) work06:29 Shape and structure08:51 Players in focus28:42 Amorim - vision vs reality44:56 Standards at the club52:44 Chelsea up next56:01 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

14 Sep 1h

#912 | Ed and Andy from the Barmy Article Fanzine discuss Manchester United Women’s early season games, summer signings, and overall prospects this season. The conversation covers the effects of financial investment in women's football, including some big player transfers this summer. The convo switches to United’s European ambitions, and reflects on early wins this season and the impacts of new signings Jess Park, Julia Zigiotti Olme, and Fridolina Rolfo. The conversation ends with expectations for Chelsea, Arsenal, and the crucial upcoming fixtures, providing a comprehensive outlook for the season. 00:00 Introduction 01:24 State of Women's Football 05:06 Summer Transfer Window 19:03 Champions League Qualification 26:21 WSL Season Opener 29:36 Season Outlook 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

9 Sep 39min

#911 | Ed and Isabel discuss the final moves in the transfer market with the Premier League on hold over the international break. Then there are listener questions covering everything from the goalkeeper situation, Kobbie Mainoo, future transfer strategy, Bruno's role and youth prospects. 00:00 Introduction 01:20 Transfer Window Review 02:42 Goalkeeper Situation 03:30 Player Exits 06:17 Two Year Rule 07:13 Bruno's Future 09:56 Youth Prospects 11:47 Path to Title Contention 14:06 The Bomb Squad 23: 46 Squad Building 27:00 Data Strategy 35:00 Women's Team 37:00 Youth Strategy 42:26 Striker Options 45:23 Tactical Identity 47:25 United vs Arsenal Future 49:44 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

8 Sep 54min

#910 | Ed and Jamie dive into United's summer transfer activities, breaking down the numbers and strategies behind their £148 million net spend. They also analyze the financial and transfer strategies of other Premier League clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Newcastle. The hosts discuss player sales, acquisitions, and the financial implications for each team, offering a comprehensive overview of the current Premier League transfer landscape. 00:00 Introduction 00:28 Transfer Window Overview 03:07 United Sales: Garnacho to Chelsea 08:50 Hojlund Transfer to Napoli 11:05  Rashford and Sancho Loans 15:49 Antony Transfer to Real Betis 31:27 Mainoo Contract Situation 35:33 Liverpool's Transfer Window Analysis 38:52 Arsenal's Transfer Strategy  51:53 City's Window and Premier League Competition 56:05 Chelsea's Complex Transfer Dealings 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

2 Sep 1h 6min

#909 | Ed, Dharnish and Daniel discuss United's narrow 3-2 victory over Burnley, the tactical implications of the match, and touch upon the Grimsby game. The conversation revolves around United's direct approach, the effectiveness of the approach, and the critical need to control games better. There’s plenty of chat about the midfield conundrum, pressing issues, and potential impact of new signings. They also ponder the upcoming tough fixtures, including facing Manchester City, and the challenges that Amorim faces.  00:00 Introduction  01:36 Analyzing United's Performance Against Burnley 03:39 Second Balls and Transitions 05:30 Challenges in Midfield Control 09:11 Wingbacks and Squad Depth Issues 12:06 Early Season Reflections  18:22 Midfield Challenges  20:12 Striker Issues  23:17 Pressing  26:33 Upcoming Fixtures  30:55 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 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

1 Sep 35min

#908 | Ed and Dan discuss Manchester United's victory over Burnley and its impact on their season. Their's relief in the win but ongoing issues with United's tactical setup under manager Amoirim. They explore the performance of key players and the deficiencies exposed in the recent games. There's an update on the transfer market and the discussion also touches on the women's team and their progress in the Champions League. 00:00 Introduction 05:23 Match Analysis: United 3-2 Burnley 32:00 Player Performances 54:55 Transfer Market Updates 59:47 Women's Team 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

31 Aug 1h 5min