#949 | Ed and Tom take stock of where Manchester United really are, amid fitness problems that refuse to clear and tactical compromises that keep piling up. They break down recent performances against Everton and Bournemouth, questioning selection calls, structure, and how much latitude the manager still has to solve problems internally.

The conversation widens to youth development and club culture, pushing back on lazy media narratives around players like Kobbie Mainoo and the credibility of the latest transfer chatter, including links to Antoine Semenyo. There’s also a deep dive into Bruno Fernandes’ recent interview, what it reveals, and what it doesn’t.

The episode rounds out with a look at the women’s team progressing in the Champions League, before a sobering preview of Aston Villa away, a test that exposes United’s current fragility and lack of margin for error.

00:00 Introduction and catching up

01:00 Everton, Bournemouth, and the Mainoo debate

02:50 Youth players and what club culture actually means

04:23 Media narratives, punditry, and manufactured noise

12:02 Bruno Fernandes interview analysis

23:53 Women’s team and Champions League progress

45:05 Transfers, rumours, and squad depth realities

01:05:36 Aston Villa preview and pressure points

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