Sir Jim Ratcliffe's previously stated condition for selling his Manchester United shares appears to have been met, as supporters directed their anger at both him and the Glazer family during Tuesday night's Champions League clash with Roma at Old Trafford.
Last year, Ratcliffe said: "Eventually, if it reached the extent that the Glazer family have been abused, then I'd have to say, look, enough's enough guys, let somebody else do this." The hostile atmosphere during the match suggested that condition is now being fulfilled.
Protests and Demonstrations
Approximately 3,000 green and gold balloons were released ahead of kick-off in a bid to stage a conspicuous anti-Glazer and anti-Ratcliffe protest, while tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch when United trailed 2-0. The demonstration took place five seconds past the 20-minute mark, a reference to 2005, when the Glazers secured majority ownership through a leveraged buyout.
The image of Matheus Cunha and Diogo Dalot awkwardly retrieving tennis balls so play could resume proved striking. The mood was venomous and should have troubled Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox.
Fan Sentiment and Ownership Criticism
Fans have united to devise new ways to highlight United's ownership situation. The Glazers have justifiably faced criticism for years, yet Ratcliffe has proved equally problematic since he took charge of football operations after securing a minority shareholding in February 2024.
Ratcliffe made considerable fanfare about attracting Berrada from Manchester City to become United's CEO, yet he has overseen a struggling organisation, with Wilcox responsible for player acquisitions. The dissatisfaction existed throughout the Glazer era, but INEOS have driven United to unprecedented lows, with the side now having suffered eight defeats from their 14 fixtures across all competitions this season.
Protests Continue Despite Comeback
Some commentators suggest that United supporters protest only against their ownership when results deteriorate. But they have persistently demonstrated during successful and unsuccessful periods alike, and it proved telling that the anti-Glazers chant emerged when United were awarded a penalty. Even when a lifeline materialised for United to re-enter the contest, there came a chorus of "We want the Glazers out."
The sentiment has been unmistakable and emphatic, peaking during Roma's appearance. Ratcliffe has willingly entered into a partnership with the Glazers, yet he must now be questioning his association with the club. He has become preoccupied with constructing a new stadium, a 100,000-capacity venue to establish as a legacy in his birthplace. However, as matters currently stand, he will be recalled as the person who facilitated the Glazers.
If Ratcliffe was genuine when he stated he would depart if he encountered the scale of abuse the Glazers have endured, the moment to leave is now. United supporters' protest against Roma is far from the end of this saga. Fans have pledged to devise fresh, creative approaches to pressure the club's ownership, convinced that without transformation, United cannot restore its past dominance.
"We want the Glazers out" United supporters chanted once more when the comeback was sealed. The chant echoed again after the final whistle, while Berrada and Wilcox faced shouting from an irate supporter as they departed. This will not disappear until there is substantial change.
