Man Utd protest against ownership before derby
Manchester United fans protested inside and outside Old Trafford before Sunday's derby.
Thousands of Manchester United supporters staged protests inside and outside Old Trafford on Sunday before the club's derby match against Manchester City. Outside the stadium, the 1958 Group led a large crowd in flares, following their call. Within the grounds, the Red Army group refrained from using their customary banners, instead displaying a single banner above the players' tunnel that read: "The way you treat us is a disgrace."
This banner highlighted the deep dissatisfaction with the club's ownership and ticketing policies, which were recently revealed in a touting investigation. United confirmed that 685 fan accounts were banned, along with 464 others sanctioned or warned, though 468 cases were later resolved after supporters provided necessary information.
The Red Army group in a statement warned that without a genuine and heard voice for their generational match-going support, the remaining fan culture at the club would soon vanish. They emphasized that they are an "atmosphere" group, and they have not shied away from expressing their viewpoints when they believed it was necessary for the fans' well-being.
During the match, several songs were sung in protest against minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, suggesting that he shares as much responsibility for the current situation as the Glazer family, who acquired the club through a leveraged buyout in 2005. Ratcliffe was present at Old Trafford during the derby. The club's financial situation, including a debt exceeding £1 billion, will be disclosed in their full-year accounts on September 23, 2026.
United's debt is set to be paid, but the plans for a new stadium, estimated to cost over £2 billion, remain unclear. The Red Army group's spokesman, Steve Compton, of the 1958 Group, reiterated that they have never lost faith in removing the Glazers, and Ratcliffe's involvement has not improved matters. Pre-match, post-match, and topical United content is available for those who want to stay updated on everything related to the Red Devils.
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