Thousands of Manchester United fans staged a large-scale protest against the club’s ownership ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal at Old Trafford.
The demonstration, described as the largest since August 2022, saw supporters march from the Tollgate pub on Talbot Road to the stadium.
Police closed roads as the crowd, estimated at more than 5,000 strong, made their way to Old Trafford in what became the first significant demonstration since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in the club.
The protest targeted both the Glazer family and Ratcliffe, who took over day-to-day operations 13 months ago.
Thousands of Manchester United fans staged a large-scale protest against the club’s ownership
Reuters
Fans heeded the call to wear black, symbolising that the football club is “slowly dying” under current ownership.
A large banner reading “RIP Fan Culture 1878-2025” led the march, with supporters chanting against both the Glazers and Ratcliffe.
Red, green and yellow smoke bombs filled the air as the crowd moved toward Old Trafford.
“We want Glazers out” and “Love United and Hate Glazer” were sung repeatedly, alongside more unsavoury chants directed at both ownership groups.
Many carried banners with messages including “£1 billion stolen” and “We want our club back”.
Fans expressed particular anger at Ratcliffe’s decision to hike unsold tickets to £66, whilst removing concessions.
The protest comes amid plans to cut up to 450 jobs, including a significant portion of the club’s 80-strong scouting department.
The club canteen has been closed, ending free lunches for staff.
On the pitch, United began the day in 15th place, 21 points behind Arsenal, with the team suffering 12 league losses this season.
The Europa League remains their only chance of silverware and a route back into the Champions League.
Steve Crompton, spokesman for The 1958 group, said: “We are so much in debt, a debt-ridden football club. This club is on its knees, the Glazers have put us there and Ratcliffe isn’t helping.”
United fans took to the streets to protest the club’s ownership
Reuters
“These fans are angry, they hate what’s happening to our football club,” he added.
Chris Haymes, another member of The 1958, stated: “Sir Jim has to make tough decisions but he seems to be a shield for the Glazers at the moment.”
“The solution is the Glazers leave the club. Jim Ratcliffe will never seal his legacy unless he removes the Glazers.”
Both Ratcliffe and Edward Glazer, one of the six Glazer siblings, were present in the directors’ box during the match.
Thousands took to the streets to protest
Reuters
The shutters to the directors’ entrance were closed as protesters gathered in the Munich Tunnel.
Inside the stadium, fans continued their demonstration with a banner reading “Stop exploiting loyalty”.
Even after United took the lead through Bruno Fernandes, cheers were quickly followed by chants of “Glazers out!”
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, doing little to ease tensions between supporters and ownership.