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#996 | Ten points clear of Chelsea with five games left. A gritty, utterly necessary win at Stamford Bridge. United's return to the Champions League is no longer a question of whether, but when. Dan and Dharnish unpack all you need to know. With Martínez and Maguire suspended, Carrick turned to an Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui as the centre-back pairing. In front of them, Kobbie Mainoo delivered the standout performance of the afternoon alongside Casemiro, whose is giving us quite the farewell tour Carrick has imposed a more compact press and restored a mentality that had gone missing. Control in games remains the next hurdle, but the case for giving him the job permanently, barring a genuinely elite alternative, is getting harder to argue against. There's also plenty to think about in the summer - United's imperfect front three, Amad's end-product problem, and the summer recruitment required across defence, midfield and on the wing. Brentford is up next. 00:00 Introduction - Almost Back in the Champions League 02:03 Team Selection vs Chelsea 02:09 Maguire and Martinez Suspensions 06:43 Kobbie Mainoo's Performance 10:23 Casemiro's Legacy 24:52 Carrick's Record - Should He Get the Job? 41:55 Looking Ahead: Brentford and Season Run-in 46:21 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

#995 | Daniel and Dharnish react to United’s first game after a 24-day break - an undercooked, low-intensity first half in which Leeds could have led by more than the two they scored. United fought back, briefly, only to lose to Leeds at OT for the first time in 45 years. There's questions over Michael Carrick's team selection and delayed substitutions. There's a debate over Lisandro Martinez’s red card for pulling an opponent’s hair - and plenty of concerns about midfield issues without Mainoo. The conversation turns to top-four pressure, the upcoming fixture against Chelsea. 00:00 Intro and First Half Reaction 01:36 Carrick's Post-Match Comments 05:14 Martinez Red Card 06:51 Carrick's Substitutions, Leeds' Game Management 08:35 Yoro and Defensive Problems 14:03 Casimiro and Midfield Issues 23:39 Summer Transfer Plans 32:11 Who Should Be Next Manager? 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

#994 | Ed and Jamie discuss how English football’s huge revenues still produce widespread losses, driven by an arms race in wages and transfer fees. They compare crises elsewhere (French TV rights falling about 80% amid PSG’s dominance and conflicts of interest) and note the growth of multi-club ownership and private equity, including Sixth Street’s move into Sunderland Women and the broader rise of MCOs. Reviewing 2024/25 accounts, they highlight Chelsea’s staggering losses (about £262m pre-tax and cited as closer to £350m for UEFA), reliance on self-deals, and the difficulty of reaching UEFA break-even targets. Arsenal are financially solid but with limited headroom; Liverpool’s big summer spend raises future squad-cost risks; City is discussed cautiously pending the 115 charges. They cover Premier League–EFL revenue-sharing tensions and the limits of new squad-cost rules and an independent regulator and touch on Newcastle’s stadium sale, Spurs’ rising costs, Villa’s UEFA constraints, and FIFA World Cup ticket pricing controversies in the US. 00:00 Intro  00:30 Liverpool/PSG 02:50 French Football Crisis 05:51 MCOs, Private Equity and Women's Football 08:11 Premier League Club Finances Overview 15:08 Arsenal and Liverpool 21:31 PSR & Squad Cost Rules 25:38 EFL Revenue Sharing & Sustainability 35:51 Man City and 115 Charges 39:31 Tottenham and Aston Villa 46:42 World Cup 2026: Tickets, Costs & FIFA 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

#993 | United Return After 24-Day Break: Ed and Wayne can’t wait to get into the football. Does the extended layoff leave United undercooked despite positive reports from a training trip to Dublin and an improving injury situation? With Harry Maguire suspended, Lisandro Martinez’ potential return can’t come at a better time. Meanwhile low-scoring Leeds arrive at Old Trafford in high spirits after an FA Cup win, but in poor form overall. Victory for United will strengthen the team’s hunt for a Champions League place and leave Leeds deep in a relegation battle. Seven games to go, five places in Europe up for grabs. Surely United are nearly there. 00:00 Introduction: The 24-Day Wait 03:41 Champions League Race 04:55 Liverpool, Chelsea and Rivals Failing 12:19 Leeds Preview 24:38 Bielsa's Legacy and Daniel Farke 28:22 Michael Carrick's Record 37:03 Carrick vs. Previous Managers 44:58 Harry Maguire's New Contract 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

From NQAT Extra. Rebroadcasting for everyone given that Harry Maguire has signed a new contract and Mainoo's new deal is very close! --- Ed and Dominic discuss reports that Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo are close to signing new contracts. It's an important step both for squad depth ahead of likely European football and a heavier schedule, and in retaining key local talent. Maguire will stay on a shorter, lower-value deal - a sensible move given injuries across United’s centre-backs, his reliability, experience, and suitability as a squad option. For Mainoo, his low wages are an issue, as is his strong leverage due to United’s thin midfield and planned departures. The club needs to fix its wage structure while keeping a key academy figure. More broadly, United’s financial and squad-building strategy under Ratcliffe and concerns about readiness for a 60-game season are discussed. 00:00 Introduction 00:55 Harry Maguire's New Contract 01:46 Maguire's Character 04:38 The 2019 Transfer Market Context 06:15 Maguire Under Different Managers 12:45 Kobbie Mainoo's Contract Situation 20:08 United's Financial Strategy 28:46 Looking Ahead 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

Who’s Definitely Leaving, Who’s a Long Shot? Ed and Adam discuss the long break before United play Leeds and then focus on the need for summer exits given the club’s finances, ranking likely departures in tiers. Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia, Jadon Sancho, Rasmus Højlund and Marcus Rashford are effectively certain to go. Tom Heaton may stay but only as a training/third keeper. In the “probable” tier we cover Altay Bayındır, André Onana and Joshua Zirkzee. Possible exits include Harry Maguire (though we expect a new, incentivised deal) and long shots including Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and the worrying scenario of Bruno Fernandes leaving due to his release clause. 00:00 Welcome 02:48 Why Exits Matter 03:25 Certain Departures List 06:19 Probable Sales Overview 20:30 Possible Exits 26:53 Summer Longshot Sales 42:39 Wrap Up and Thanks

#992 | Ed and Tom fill the long international and FA Cup break by running through United players on international duty and broader World Cup qualifying storylines, including England experiments under Thomas Tuchel. Maguire and Mainoo featured, there's notes on Portugal, with Bruno’s backheeled assist a hightlight, Brazil featured Casemiro’s return and Senne Lemmens played for Belgium. United announce friendlies in Helsinki, Stockholm, Gothenburg), Dublin and Wrocław. Then there's is a reflection on United Women’s recent slump, squad depth, poor crowds. Recorded before United took on Bayern in the Champions League on Wednesday. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 02:58 Home Nations World Cup Qualification 03:16 England Players: Maguire, Mainoo and Rashford 05:04 Mainoo and Elliot Anderson Partnership 08:27 England's Attacking Concerns 16:25 World Cup Access and Travel Bans 18:00 Portugal and Brazil Internationals 22:53 World Cup Groups 28:16 United Summer Preseason Friendlies 34:18 Loan Players 37:03 United Women 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

Ed and Dominic discuss reports that Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo are close to signing new contracts. It's an important step both for squad depth ahead of likely European football and a heavier schedule, and in retaining key local talent. Maguire will stay on a shorter, lower-value deal - a sensible move given injuries across United’s centre-backs, his reliability, experience, and suitability as a squad option. For Mainoo, his low wages are an issue, as is his strong leverage due to United’s thin midfield and planned departures. The club needs to fix its wage structure while keeping a key academy figure. More broadly, United’s financial and squad-building strategy under Ratcliffe and concerns about readiness for a 60-game season are discussed. 00:00 Introduction 00:55 Harry Maguire's New Contract 01:46 Maguire's Character 04:38 The 2019 Transfer Market Context 06:15 Maguire Under Different Managers 12:45 Kobbie Mainoo's Contract Situation 20:08 United's Financial Strategy 28:46 Looking Ahead

#991 | Ed sits down with George Baker to check in on FC United’s progress this season. The club is top of the Northern Premier League in a tight title race with Hednesford and Hebburn. Ed and George talk about the run-in, progress that has been made this season, and how the club remains the antidote to commercialisation in the Premier League. 00:00 Introduction 00:27 Season to Date 07:00 Key Players and the Manager 10:30 The Title Race and Run-In 13:39 Easter Monday: The Big Decider 15:36 Non-League Growth, Manchester United's Failings 16:42 Fan Ownership vs. Football Corruption 34:18 Non-League Football's Global Rise 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

#990 | Ed and Dharnish review Bournemouth 2–2 United - a game in which United were robbed by referee Stuart Atwell. One moment turning down a penalty for a clear foul on Amad, the next moment, watching Bournemouth score. Inexplicably, Atwell then gave a penalty and a red card for a foul by Harry Maguire. Soft as f**k. But, apart from crap refereeing, United performed well for a half, creating plenty of chances before a quieter second half. What does this mean for the top four race and Michael Carrick's chances of getting the big job? See you in 24 days. 00:00 Introduction 02:14 Referee Controversy 13:14 Fullbacks: Shaw and Dalot 16:42 Midfield, Casemiro's Replacement 25:23 Top Four Race 34:17 Should Carrick Stay Permanently? 46:06 Remaining Fixtures 49:07 Wrap 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

#989 | Ed and Jamie discuss a Premier League settlement with Chelsea over £47 million worth of undisclosed, off-book payments to players, agents and third parties from 20011–2018, involving names including Samuel Eto’o, Eden Hazard and David Luiz. The £10m fine and suspended transfer/youth-player bans show inconsistent rule enforcement versus PSR points deductions for clubs like Everton and could weaken the Premier League’s position in Manchester City’s case, while signalling cooperation and ownership change can reduce sporting sanctions. It's incredibly lenient. There's an examination of how a Gulf-wide conflict has driven crude oil from about $65 to ~$105, pressuring INEOS’ thin-margin, highly leveraged petrochemicals business, potentially delaying or complicating refinancing at INEOS and United amid reduced prospects of Fed interest rate cuts. The conversation finishes on the potential impact around United's new stadium in a high-rate, high-cost environment. 00:00 Introduction 03:09 Chelsea's Off-Book Payments 07:09 Premier League's Lenient Penalty 17:45 Implications for Man City's Case 20:23 The Abramovich Fund 22:15 War in the Gulf and Oil Price Shock 28:33 Impact on United's Refinancing and Ownership 32:43 New Stadium Challenges 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

Ed and Tom discuss how the war in Iran could affect football, focusing on United’s 30% owner Ineos and the upcoming World Cup. The episode covers how the oil price shock and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz - crucial for European LNG and oil - could squeeze Ineos’s thin margins and keep inflation high, reducing the likelihood of interest-rate cuts and complicating refinancing for Ineos and United, Radcliffe’s plans to increase ownership, and funding a new stadium. There’s also the wider sporting disruption, including the canceled Bahrain and Saudi F1 races and a match planned in Qatar. For the World Cup, there’s uncertainty over Iran’s participation amid political pressure, possible defections, inconsistent standards around participation, and intensified politicisation tied to Trump and Infantino. 00:00 Intro: War in Iran and Its Impact on Football 01:09 Ineos, Oil Prices and United's Finances 05:11 The Tech-Bro War 07:35 Trump, MAGA and the Politics of the War 10:34 Iran at the World Cup 15:47 Infantino, FIFA and the Politicisation of the Tournament 19:27 Impact on Transfers, Saudi and the Middle East Football Ecosystem 22:09 Impact on the Iranian team and people

#988 | Ed, Dharnish and Daniel review United’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa, praising a patient approach after a quiet first half against Villa’s high line and mid-block. The episode covers the role of United's flexible front three, how Casemiro and Mainoo controlled midfield, Bruno's flexible positioning, and United's dominance at the back. Then we look ahead to the game against Bournemouth on Friday night 00:00 Intro and Match Reaction 04:35 Cunha's Role and the Left Side 09:38 Bruno's Freedom 10:39 Dalot, Shaw and the Full-backs 15:06 Villa's Setup 21:07 Casemiro and Mainoo 23:19 Best Starting XI 29:11 Bournemouth Preview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#987 | Ed and Tom discuss Manchester United’s 3–1 win over Aston Villa, a strangely low-intensity match that still moved United closer to securing Champions League football. It might have started slowly, but United’s second-half, shaped by Bruno Fernandes’ brilliance, Casemiro’s head, and Benjamin Sesko’s ability off the bench, were enough to secure the points. It’s a bit odd how slowly United start in these games under Carrick. Is the team undercooked or is it something more fundamental? With European football on the horizon, the conversation turns to summer needs - midfielders, fullbacks, a left-sided forward, and possibly a centre back. But will it be Carrick at the wheel? 00:00 Match Review: United 3-1 Aston Villa 04:02 Casimiro's Set Piece Quality 05:57 Bruno Fernandes:  Best in the League 11:15 Sesko, Mbeumo and Wide Areas 15:46 Summer Transfers 25:54 Carrick: Right Man for United? 39:36 Squad Building 47:22 United's Financial Position 55:00 Wrap 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

#986 | It’s a quiet news week at United but Ed and Dominic preview Sunday’s crucial Old Trafford match vs Aston Villa in a very tight Champions League race. United need both points and a convincing performance after uneven recent displays. There are concerns about squad fitness, slow starts, and breaking down low blocks. There’s some chat about poor first-leg Champions League results for English clubs and the potential impact on the Premier League’s coefficient and fifth-place qualification. Plenty of mirth over Spurs’ collapse under Igor Tudor and relegation fears/hopes, Liverpool’s ongoing issues, and Chelsea’s flakiness. 00:00 Introduction 02:40 Champions League: Premier League Struggles 06:41 Arsenal Analysis 09:45 Tottenham's Crisis 14:16 Transfer Market 18:36 Liverpool: Slot Under Pressure 18:54 Victor Osimhen and Galatasaray 27:48 Chelsea's Inconsistency 30:58 United vs Villa Preview 37:05 United News and Injury Concerns 44:18 Left Side Problem 49:02 Wrap 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