No Question About That - a Manchester United podcast

#889 | Ed and Daniel discuss United's frustratingly slow approach to the transfer market this summer. On incomings: a deal for Bryan Mbeumo may be close or may not be. On outgoings: there are no deals completed for the five players marked for departure this summer. WTF is going on??!! 00:00 Introduction 02:08 Transfer Market Dynamics 05:12 The Bomb Squad 07:30 Incoming Transfers 13:03 Marcus Rashford's Future 22:28 Alejandro Garnacho 22:56 Managerial Challenges and Player Development 27:08 Sancho's Struggles 33:46 Financial Constraints 44:43 Squad Concerns 46:02 Sign-Off 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

#888 | Ed talks to Jonathan Allsopp, author of 'This Thing of Ours,' to discuss his new book which explores the unique challenges and successes of running FC United. Celebrating the club's 20th anniversary, Jonathan shares insights into the motivations behind writing the book, FC United's founding manifesto, the pressures of fan ownership, financial constraints, and community involvement. He also touches on the establishment of the women's team, fan engagement strategies, the significance of the Fenix Trophy, and the broader implications of fan ownership in modern football. It’s an insightful look into a club determined to preserve fan culture amidst the commercial pressures of the sport. 00:00 Introduction  01:13 The Inspiration Behind the Book 04:46 Challenges of Fan Ownership 06:30 Day-to-Day Operations of FC United 07:54 Financial Realities and Business Planning 18:18 The Fenix Trophy  22:39 FC United Women's Team 27:16 Community Engagement  29:02 Fan Engagement and Democratic Processes 29:58 Voting and Participation Rates 31:18 Challenges in Fan Engagement 32:53 Interaction with Manchester United Fans 34:48 Media Attention and Fan Culture 37:57 Boardroom Politics and Transparency 45:11 Future of Fan Ownership 51:34 Financial Challenges and Governance 53:57 Conclusion 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

#887 | Ed and Waybe discuss Manchester United's return to training and preview the upcoming pre-season activities. They explore the ongoing transfer activity at the club, which is moving very slowly in part due to financial constraints and the need for player outgoings. With United facing Fiorentina in pre-season the hosts also reflect on David De Gea's potential return and legacy at the club. They also discuss the team's pre-season fixtures and expectations, amidst a broader discussion about the impact of recent football news. 00:00 Welcome  01:19 Transfer Market 11:45 Player Outgoings and Squad Changes 21:44 Expectations for the New Season 27:46 Navigating Social Media Sensitivity 28:17 Respectful Tributes and Missteps 33:32 Young Talent and Future Prospects 38:22 Preseason Fixtures 43:44 Debating Goalkeeper Legends 48:06 Honouring Juan Mata 50:17 Wrapping 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

#886 | Ed and Jamie tackle the latest football finance news, addressing Barcelona's significant debt refinancing tied to their stadium renovation and its implications for United’s stadium development and bond refinancing. They also look at Aston Villa's financial struggles with Premier League and UEFA financial regulations, examining potential solutions like selling their women's team and (maybe) Ollie Watkins. Finally, they analyse Chelsea's heavy spending on players and the intricate financial strategies behind it, including multi-club ownership and long-term contracts. The episode also touches on broader themes like the Premier League's future media rights market, broadcasting revenue, and the pressures on clubs to remain financially viable amid widening competition. 00:00 Introduction02:49 Barcelona's Debt Refinancing and it's Impact on United16:39 Aston Villa's Financial Challenges30:54 The Impact of TV Deals on Football Finances37:47 Chelsea's Aggressive Player Acquisition Strategy48:17 Challenges in Football's Growth and Fan Engagement52:04 The Future of Football52:54 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

#885 | Ed and Danish explore United’s tactical setup next season, how player performances have shaped the club’s transfer policy and where the team may still be short. They discuss the obsession with transfers, and how fans get carried away during the summer. The main focus is  United's setup, including potential lineup changes for 2025/6, the desperate need for a new number nine, and how various players like Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo will fit into new roles. The hosts debate the future of some key players and express skepticism over the current goalkeeper situation. 00:00 Introduction  01:21  Last Season's Problems 03:10 Team Selection 04:22 Defensive Strategies 15:13 Midfield Dynamics 21:59 Reflecting on Last Season 22:06 The Role of Physical Players 22:31 The Evolution of Player Roles 23:27 Challenges in the Transfer Market 23:57 Goalkeeper Dilemmas 26:29 Striker Search 35:28 Managerial Decisions  37:06 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

#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

#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

#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

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

#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