A massive protest involving thousands of Manchester United fans took place before Sunday’s Premier League match against Arsenal, targeting the club’s ownership and recent decisions.
The demonstration, organized by The 1958 group, was the largest since Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired a near 30% stake in the club last year.
Fans marched nearly a mile to Old Trafford, setting off scores of flares and singing abusive songs aimed at co-chairman Joel Glazer and Ratcliffe. The protest highlighted grievances over the club’s debt, redundancies, and increased ticket prices.
Banners reading “we want our club back” and “£1bn stolen” referenced the debt loaded onto the club when the Glazer family purchased Manchester United in 2005.
Ratcliffe has defended his decisions, including redundancies and ticket price hikes, as necessary to reduce losses, which exceeded £113m last year.
However, fans argue that these moves are unacceptable, particularly given the club’s significant debt and interest payments.
The protest organizer, Chris Haymes, criticized Ratcliffe for being tainted by his association with the Glazer family.
“Sir Jim has to make tough decisions, but he seems to be a shield for the Glazers,” Haymes said. “The solution is simple: the Glazers must leave the club. Jim Ratcliffe will never seal his legacy here unless he removes the Glazers.”
