Manchester United supporters have staged a dramatic pre-match protest, with many wearing clown masks to symbolise their frustration with the club's ownership. The demonstration, organised by the influential fan group The 1958, took place ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash against Fulham at Old Trafford.
Circus Atmosphere at Old Trafford
The 1958 group has repeatedly likened the running of the Premier League giants to a circus, with this week's statement claiming United are "being dragged through chaos by clown ownership" and that the club is being "run like a circus". This powerful imagery was brought to life as protesters donned clown masks while marching down Sir Matt Busby Way towards the stadium forecourt.
Targeting Both Glazers and Ratcliffe
While the Glazer family have faced sustained fan opposition since their controversial takeover in 2005, this protest marked a significant escalation by also targeting Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who became co-owner in February 2024. The 1958 organised this anti-ownership demonstration to express anger with both parties, turning up the heat on the current leadership structure.
Between 500 and 600 protesters participated in the march, according to Greater Manchester Police, with no arrests reported. The atmosphere was charged as fans chanted against the owners and held banners while smoke from flares filled the air around the iconic stadium.
Beyond On-Pitch Performance
Steve Crompton, spokesperson for The 1958, emphasised to the Press Association that their concerns extend far beyond match results. "It is a protest now about this partnership with Ineos and the Glazers that, just for me, isn't working," he stated. "The last two games have been fantastic and there's been an upturn in what we're seeing on the pitch, but what we do has never been about what happens on the pitch."
Ticket Pricing Controversy
A particular flashpoint has been Ratcliffe's changes to ticket pricing and availability since becoming part of the ownership structure. Crompton highlighted the growing affordability crisis facing match-going fans: "I had a look this morning for the Villa game, and they're selling tickets all over the stadium minimum of £300 as hospitality. There's no tickets available to members to buy just as a standard ticket, so how do these fans get to games anymore? It's becoming unaffordable."
The spokesperson added that this pricing strategy directly impacts matchday atmosphere: "That affects exactly what we want in the ground, which is a great atmosphere created by fans." With over 95,000 members following The 1958, approximately half of whom are regular match attendees, these concerns represent a significant portion of the United fanbase.
Long-Standing Discontent
The protest was announced 24 days prior to the Fulham match, shortly after Ruben Amorim's sacking, demonstrating careful planning rather than spontaneous reaction. Crompton stressed the fundamental nature of their grievances: "This is never about the manager or the players. We'll support them through thick and thin. And, let's be honest, it's been pretty thick for quite a while now. We'll always back the team. That's what you do as a supporter."
He concluded with a powerful statement about the group's ultimate goal: "We want our football club back. Everything that's happening. But let's not punish these supporters that want to back the team for a quick buck, which is where we're at with it."
The protest occurred as United entered the Fulham match buoyed by recent victories against Manchester City and Arsenal in Michael Carrick's first two games as manager, highlighting the disconnect between on-pitch success and fan satisfaction with club governance.
