Manchester United fans are set to stage a powerful protest against the club’s ownership, with supporters urged to wear black during Sunday’s Premier League clash against Arsenal at Old Trafford. The demonstration, organized by supporters’ group The 1958, aims to send a strong message to the Glazer family about their dissatisfaction with the club’s current state, both on and off the pitch.
A Protest Against Decline
Manchester United’s struggles in recent years have been well documented, but tensions have escalated further this season. The club’s financial woes, poor performances, and what fans describe as mismanagement at the highest level have fueled growing unrest among the supporters.
United’s financial losses continue to mount, with the club reporting a staggering €144 million loss last September. Adding to the frustration, an €18 million compensation payout was made to former manager Erik ten Hag, his coaching staff, and ex-sporting director Dan Ashworth. Despite replacing Ten Hag with Ruben Amorim in October, performances have remained inconsistent, and United’s exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Fulham has only intensified frustrations.
The 1958 Speaks Out
The supporters’ group The 1958 has been vocal about their discontent with the Glazer family’s ownership and what they perceive as the club’s slow decline. In a statement released ahead of the protest, the group did not hold back:
“The club is slowly dying before our eyes, on and off the pitch, and the blame lies squarely at the current ownership model. 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 backward, and it’s likely to get even worse. We urge fans to rise up, unite, and join us at 3 p.m. on Sunday as we march to the ground and protest against the despised Glazers and the club’s deliberate assault on fan culture.”
The statement reflects a growing sense of despair and anger among supporters who feel that the club, once a dominant force in English and European football, is now being driven into the ground.
️A protest against Glazer and the clubs deliberate assault on fan culture.
This is a rallying call to the banners (Tollgate 3pm 9th March).
Bring the heat. Bring the noise. Bring the passion.
Tollgate
⏱️3pm
♂️We march at 3:15pm (form behind the large banner)
Start… pic.twitter.com/zc6SyOXEpN— The 1958 (@The__1958) March 3, 2025
A Season of Discontent
Manchester United’s season has been far from what fans expect from one of the world’s most successful football clubs. A series of disappointing performances have left them trailing in the Premier League, with their hopes of securing a Champions League spot fading fast.
United’s FA Cup exit to Fulham in a penalty shootout further fueled criticism of the team’s lack of direction. The loss added to a string of underwhelming results that have left supporters questioning whether the club is heading in the right direction under Amorim.
The Impact of the Glazers’ Ownership
The Glazer family has faced protests from Manchester United fans for years, with many blaming them for the club’s financial decline. Since their controversial takeover in 2005, the club has been saddled with debt, and many supporters believe their primary focus is profit rather than footballing success.
While United have made significant commercial gains under the Glazers, their spending on the pitch has often been criticized as wasteful, with several expensive signings failing to deliver results. The lack of long-term planning and a revolving door of managers have only added to the instability.
Fans Demand Change
The upcoming protest is expected to be one of the most visible demonstrations against the Glazers in recent years. By wearing black, fans hope to symbolize what they see as the slow death of Manchester United under the current ownership.
This isn’t the first time United fans have voiced their anger. Over the years, several protests, walkouts, and social media campaigns have taken place, calling for the Glazers to sell the club. The failed European Super League attempt in 2021 led to one of the biggest protests in United’s history, forcing the postponement of their match against Liverpool.
If you have 1oz of care about our beloved club, then join the march on sunday 9th & show the owners, enough is enough.
Numbers will count. @The__1958 pic.twitter.com/zEMb2HNbfR— Mick (@mickjmckay) March 4, 2025
Despite multiple demonstrations, the Glazers have shown no sign of relinquishing control. However, with increasing pressure from fans and continued financial struggles, calls for new ownership are growing louder.
Will This Protest Make a Difference?
While the demonstration will certainly draw attention, the reality is that the Glazers have shown resilience in the face of fan protests before. Without a serious buyer willing to take over, many fear that the club’s financial and sporting decline will continue.
For Manchester United fans, Sunday’s protest is more than just a demonstration—it’s a plea for change before their beloved club falls further into crisis. Whether it will be enough to force action remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the frustration and anger among supporters are reaching new heights.
As the club prepares to face Arsenal in a crucial Premier League fixture, all eyes will not only be on the pitch but also on the stands, where thousands of fans dressed in black will make their voices heard.
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