In a dramatic display of discontent, approximately 1,000 Manchester United fans gathered outside Old Trafford to protest against the club's owners, the Glazer family, before the final match of the season against Aston Villa. Led by the 1958 Group, supporters marched down Sir Matt Busby Way brandishing banners and flares that articulated their grievances, including accusations of “20 years of theft and lies.” This latest rally is part of a long-standing campaign by fans who feel that the Glazers have burdened the club with significant debt since their leveraged buyout in 2005, and many attribute the team's turbulent last decade to their ownership.

The protest saw banners proclaiming slogans such as "We want our club back," and "Love United, hate Glazers." The imagery of fans dressed in skeleton masks underscored the somber sentiment regarding the club's decline, intensifying an already charged atmosphere. Manchester United had heightened security measures in anticipation of the protest, as tensions have flared recently, particularly with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has recently assumed a more direct role in club operations, reportedly opting to stay away from the match day.

Notably, Ratcliffe faced backlash even outside the stadium, having been booed by club staff during a viewing of the overwhelmingly disappointing Europa League final earlier in the week. This was in the context of significant job cuts, with around 200 staff members facing redundancy shortly after another round of dismissals the previous year. Meanwhile, dissatisfaction among supporters has simmered due to ongoing ticket price hikes and the controversial relocation of longtime fans from their seats behind the dugout to accommodate a newly designated VIP area.

This season, United's decision to raise ticket prices, including season tickets that have increased by five per cent for the third successive year, has gnawed at the patience of supporters. The Manchester United Supporters' Trust expressed disappointment that the club ignored calls to freeze prices, further advocating against the changes that would uproot long-standing fans in favour of corporate interests. Criticism of the club's management has grown, with fans highlighting how such moves not only marginalise loyal supporters but also detract from the essence of what Manchester United represents.

Such protests are not isolated incidents but part of a growing movement among followers of the club. In March 2025, fans once again gathered to march against the Glazers and Ratcliffe before a match against Arsenal, a reflection of ongoing frustrations regarding the club's direction and management. The collective sentiment of the fan base appears to be solidifying, with groups like FC United of Manchester joining forces with Manchester United supporters in joint protests aimed at highlighting the need for change in ownership. This collaboration reflects a deep-rooted desire among supporters for a greater say in the club's future direction.

The key takeaway from recent events is that Manchester United fans are increasingly uniting in their stance against the Glazers' ownership and the perceived mismanagement of the club under the current structure. As protests continue to intensify, the calls for transparency, accountability, and a re-evaluation of club priorities resonate through the stands of Old Trafford, compelling not only club officials but also the broader football community to reassess the implications of sustained self-interest over fan loyalty.

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Source: Noah Wire Services