Manchester United Supporters Prepare Major Demonstration Against Club Ownership
Manchester United fans are gearing up for what organisers describe as potentially the biggest ever protest against the club's ownership structure, with both the Glazer family and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe firmly in their sights. The demonstration, orchestrated by prominent fan group The 1958, is scheduled to take place ahead of United's Premier League home fixture against Fulham on 1 February.
Escalating Fan Frustration Targets New Co-Owner
The planned protest marks a significant escalation in the long-running discontent among Manchester United supporters. While the American Glazer family has faced persistent opposition since their controversial 2005 takeover, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's inclusion as a direct target represents a notable development. The billionaire, who became a co-owner in February 2024, now finds himself subject to the same organised criticism that has dogged the Glazers' tenure for nearly two decades.
A spokesperson for The 1958 articulated the group's position with striking clarity: "Jim Ratcliffe chose to get into bed with the Glazers and, in our opinion, is helping to keep them in charge." They further emphasised the depth of supporter disillusionment, stating: "Twenty-one years of a debt mountain, mismanagement and financial greed is 21 years too long. Enough is enough."
Organisers Anticipate Record Turnout
The 1958 anticipates that more than 6,000 supporters will participate in the march to Old Trafford, which would surpass the estimated 5,000-6,000 who demonstrated peacefully before the Arsenal match last May. This projected turnout suggests growing momentum behind the protest movement, despite the team's recent impressive derby victory against Manchester City.
The fan group's spokesperson explained the timing of their action: "Earlier this season, we asked supporters if they wanted to protest. Many chose to give Ratcliffe time. That time has been squandered. The situation is undeniably worse." They added a pointed assessment of Ratcliffe's involvement: "We will not be complicit. Jim Ratcliffe, you have chosen your side, and it is not ours. You now stand shoulder to shoulder with the Glazers. You are no saviour."
Scathing Criticism of Club Direction
The protest organisers delivered particularly harsh criticism of Ratcliffe's performance since becoming involved with the club. Their spokesperson stated: "For many, you come across as a clown, fumbling from one disaster to another, hopelessly out of your depth at one of the world's greatest football institutions, adored by millions." They concluded with a damning verdict on the club's current state: "We were promised best in class, but for us the club is a laughing stock resembling a circus, and that includes the new stadium design."
The group emphasised that their concerns extend beyond short-term results, with the spokesperson noting: "We beat City, but one swallow does not make a summer. This is not about Carrick and results. It is about our ownership." They issued a stark warning about the club's future under the current structure: "We have been down this path of false hope too many times. History shows what happens at our club with the dysfunctional ownership model we have. They are like a boomerang, and we cannot move on until they are gone."
Youth Players Set for Loan Moves
Amidst the brewing protest, Manchester United are reportedly preparing to send two promising young players on loan to Sky Bet Championship clubs. Twenty-two-year-old midfielder Toby Collyer is understood to be nearing a move to promotion-chasing Hull City for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, eighteen-year-old left-back Harry Amass, who previously spent time on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, is expected to make a temporary switch to Norwich City as he continues his development.
These loan moves represent standard football business, but they occur against a backdrop of significant supporter unrest regarding the club's broader strategic direction. The juxtaposition of youth development plans with organised fan protest highlights the complex challenges facing Manchester United as they navigate both on-pitch and off-pitch pressures.
