Manchester United stewards removed two banners from the Stretford End during Sunday's 4-4 draw against Aston Villa, prompting accusations of censorship from supporters.
The banners protested against the club's ownership by the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe. One banner, reading 'We don't want a new stadium, we want new owners', was unfurled before kick-off and again before the end of the first half. Another, reading 'Jim can't fix this', was also confiscated by stewards; this banner has been used in several protests since it first appeared against Burnley at Turf Moor last season.
Reasons for Removal
It is understood the 'new stadium' banner was taken down because it was blocking the view of some supporters. The second banner was removed due to its play on words from the TV show 'Jim'll fix it', hosted by Jimmy Savile, one of the UK's most notorious sexual predators.
Fan group The 1958 posted a video on X showing fans remonstrating with stewards. They wrote: "Once again censorship from our club and owners on fans voicing their anger at the destruction of our club in the ground today. Banners confiscated by stewards and lads ejected from the ground. This isn't about results, this isn't about performances. This is about generational decay of terrace culture, loyalty and our club's dignity."
Match Comeback
On the pitch, United staged a dramatic comeback to earn a point. Villa led 2-0 within four minutes through goals by Alysson and Nicolas Jackson, but Bruno Fernandes and Youri Tielemans equalised before the break.
The visitors restored their two-goal advantage within eight minutes of the second half with strikes from John McGinn and Leroy Goretzka. However, stoppage-time goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu secured an unlikely point for United.
Manager's Outlook
Manager Michael Carrick insists he expects to lead United after the international break and rejected the idea that the club are in a relegation battle. "You know the situation, we haven't won enough games," he said. "But I expect to move forward with things we've been working on, showing a lot of the good from today tighten up a few mistakes and win some football matches. We're in November. I don't like this situation where we are and where we're at. But we can do something about it."
