Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has promised fans the team will give “a lot more effort” on the pitch following a protest by supporters before Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal. Fans wore black and held banners reading “Your debt not ours” and “We want our club back” in protest against the Glazer family and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The demonstration came amid a turbulent season that has seen United fall to mid-table in the Premier League, with the Europa League now their only chance of silverware. Off the pitch, the club is grappling with debts of around £1 billion, leading to ticket price increases to £66, the removal of concessions, and the redundancy of 200 staff last month.
Amorim acknowledged the fans’ right to protest and expressed understanding of their frustration. “This club will never die,” he said. “You feel it in the streets. This is a big business and maybe all the fans in this league sometimes feel it is harder to go to the games and pay for tickets. We want to give them a lot of effort.”
On the pitch, United produced an improved defensive display against Arsenal, with Amorim tweaking his tactics to use a low block. However, the Portuguese boss insisted the approach was temporary. “In the future, we will not play like that,” he said, referencing the need to control games better and utilise players strong in transition.
The draw leaves United still searching for consistency under Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag in October but has yet to turn around the club’s fortunes. The protest served as a stark reminder of growing discontent among the fanbase over the club’s direction.
