Angry Manchester United fans are planning a major anti-Glazer protest march at Old Trafford on Sunday – and will wear black to mark how the club is “slowly dying”.
The 1958 supporters’ group announced the move, claiming “Sir Matt Busby would be turning in his grave at the current plight of one of the world’s greatest football institutions”, which they said had become “a laughing stock”.
The protest, ahead of the club’s Premier League game against Arsenal, comes days after it emerged that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s job cuts at United were set to soar to as many as 450 staff members. Ratcliffe has also ordered further cutbacks and raised ticket prices amid swingeing losses off the field compounded by a miserable season on it.
“The club is slowly dying before our eyes, on and off the pitch, and the blame lies squarely at the current ownership model,” said 1958 spokesman Steve Crompton.
“The club is facing financial Armageddon. Debt is the road to ruin. Sir Matt Busby would be turning in his grave at the current plight of one of the world’s greatest football institutions, which is being brought to its knees and in many ways becoming a laughing stock.”
“The club is going backwards and it’s likely to get even worse,” he continued. “We urge fans to rise up, unite and join us at 3pm on Sunday as we march to the ground and protest against the despised Glazers and the club’s deliberate assault on fan culture.
“We have been working hard across both club and non-club boundaries for the betterment of fans, our club and football for some time. Today we announce protest details which will not just be limited to action at the ground. This is more than just a club to us. We are more than just a number on a seat.”
Fans are being asked to gather from 3pm at the Tollgate pub before moving down Talbot Road, Warwick Road and Sir Matt Busby Way. They will stop at the Trinity statue before heading down the Munich Tunnel.
Crompton said: “Our voices matter. Our community matters. Our club matters. Now, more than ever, we must come together to fight for what is right. We all know the problem at our club, we have always known.
“We invite everyone to join us: young, old, families, official supporter groups, ticket holders and non-ticket holders. We will demand action, accountability and a better future for fans and our club.
“This is more than just a protest, it’s a statement of intent of what is to be a relentless campaign until we know and have clarity on the future direction of our club. We are standing in solidarity against owners that have caused generational damage to our club, amplifying our voices, and showing that together, we represent an unstoppable force.”
He added: “The death knell is already being sounded across all clubs and our game. Do not sleepwalk into the abyss. Take action before it is too late. Together, we can make a difference. The time for action is now. Let’s protest, let’s be heard, and let’s fight for a better future. The prosperity of Manchester United is on the line.”
The announcement of the protest comes two days after United crashed out of the FA Cup at home to Fulham.
Ferdinand: ‘Blaming Ferguson is nonsense’
The game was shown live on the BBC and featured a debate in which Match of the Day host Gary Lineker questioned the legacy left by Sir Alex Ferguson when United’s greatest ever manager retired almost 12 years ago.
Such comments were branded “nonsense” on Tuesday by former United defender Rio Ferdinand, who has worked with Lineker on the BBC’s football coverage.
Ferdinand posted on X: “Average age of the squad Sir Alex left was 26.6 years old. Blend of youth + experience. Our attacking players were… Rooney (27), RVP (29), Chicharito (25), Welbeck (22), Zaha (20), Nani (26), Ashley Young (27), Lingard (20), Kagawa (24), Valencia (27), Januzaj (18). 19 International Players.
“Ps we won the league by 11 points… Since then the recruitment have been poor. But I’ve read over the last few days it’s The Boss fault. What a load of nonsense…”
