The Tactics Show: Pre-Season Progress
#896 | Ed and Dharnish discuss United's preseason progress, including the squad's fitness, tactical improvements and performance in recent games. There's a look at how the team's shape and movement have evolved and how new signings are being integrated. This is set in the context of a really difficult first quarter of the season. 00:00 Introduction 01:09 Preseason Performance and Fitness 03:15 Tactical Analysis 07:15 Midfield Dynamics 16:23 Team Chemistry and Fitness Strategy 25:36 Hojlund vs. Sesko 30:34 Squad Depth and Young Talent 33:07 Preseason Preparations 36:29 Tactical Adaptations 43:05 Premier League Competition 43:59 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
United, Inc: Player Exchanges and Transfer Economics
#895 | Ed and Jamie dive into the economics of United's transfer market strategy. There's the potential acquisition of Benjamin Sesko and how the deal might be funded without player sales. Other topics include the economics of freezing out players, details on Rashford's transfer to Barcelona, and a debate over player valuations and swap deals. The conversation also explores the financial angle of Chelsea's interest in Alejandro Garnacho and the gap in United's sponsorship training ground/kit sponsorship deal. The episode concludes with a look at the growing financial landscape of women's football, highlighted by the recent success of Euro 2025. 00:00 Introduction 01:23 Football Economics and Player Sales 04:28 Sponsorship Deals and Financial Maneuvering 07:44 Player Exchanges 15:31 Rashford's Transfer 20:58 Chelsea's Financial Constraints 28:06 Player Loans 30:10 Sancho's Career Decisions 33:39 Tax Structures and Player Transfers 36:19 Women's Football Growth 45:06 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
Striker Search Heats Up
#894 | Ed and Daniel discuss the latest movements in the transfer market, focusing on United's potential striker acquisition. What are the merits of signing Ollie Watkins versus Benjamin Sesko - style, future potential, and financial implications? They also touch on the strategic need for a midfielder, review potential player sales, and examine goalkeeper options. 00:00 Introduction 01:02 Transfer Market Insights 04:20 Analyzing Sesko's Potential 08:24 Financial Considerations and Squad Building 19:30 Midfield Concerns and Player Development 23:34 Financial Breakdown and Future Prospects 28:30 Anthony's Transfer Dilemma 29:46 Chelsea's Financial Tactics 38:02 Player Discipline 43:03 Goalkeeper Market 47:42 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
Marcus Rashford: A Retrospective
#893 | Ed and Daniel take an in-depth look at Marcus Rashford’s journey - from local hero at United to his fresh start on loan at Barcelona. They unpack the highs and lows of his time at Old Trafford, exploring how tactical shifts, managerial instability, and media scrutiny shaped his form and confidence. The conversation moves beyond the pitch too, touching on Rashford’s high-profile activism during the pandemic and how it influenced his public image - for better and worse. With Hansi Flick now guiding his next chapter at Barça, we debate what Rashford might become in a new system, under a new spotlight. And wrap by considering Rashford's legacy at United and what this departure says about the club’s current direction. 00:00 – Introduction 00:52 – Rashford’s Rise and Barcelona Switch 02:33 – Barça’s System: A Good Fit? 04:44 – Early Promise and Development 06:35 – United’s Instability and Its Toll 08:59 – Off-Field Challenges and Motivation 12:08 – Big Game Player? Mental Strength in Focus 14:55 – Activism, Backlash, and Media Noise 17:30 – Rashford’s Legacy 25:00 – What’s 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
Rashford Joins Barce-LOAN-a
Ed and Tom discuss United's pre-season match against Leeds in Stockholm. In a low-intensity game there were a few notable performances, including the first sight of Matteus Cunha and Diego Leon in a United shirt. Then there’s a deep dive on the transfer market, including United finally agreeing a deal for Bryan Mbeumo and David Ornstein dropping the bomb that United, Barcelona and Marcus Rashford have agreed a deal for the forward to move to Spain on loan. Enjoy! 00:00 Introduction 00:45 Match Analysis: Manchester United vs Leeds 05:37 Transfer News 08:03 Midfield Dynamics 21:35 Challenges in Player Development 30:49 The Back Three 31:31 Midfield and Defensive Strategies 38:58 Player Roles and Squad Depth 45:29 Rashford's Move to Barcelona 54:17 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