Photo via BBC Sport

Man Utd protest against ownership before derby

Ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby, thousands of Manchester United supporters staged demonstrations both around and inside Old Trafford to voice their anger at the club's leadership. " Match-goers expressed deep frustration over ticketing policies and recent touting crackdowns that saw 685 accounts barred and 464 disciplined or cautioned, although 468 individuals avoided punishment after submitting satisfactory explanations.

The Red Army warned that without an authentic voice, long-standing matchday traditions risk being completely destroyed, while Steve Compton of the 1958 Group slammed the lack of apologies and the toll on supporters' well-being caused by sudden ticket suspensions issued without evidence.

Discontent was directed not only at the Glazer family for the debt placed onto United during their 2005 takeover, but also at minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who watched the fixture in person amid critical chants from the crowd. Compton stated that while fans initially held hope when Ratcliffe arrived, his tenure has failed to reconnect the club with its Manchester roots.

United's total liabilities currently top £1bn when factoring in unpaid player transfer balances, alongside ambiguity regarding how an envisioned stadium project exceeding £2bn will be financed. The organization's comprehensive economic picture will be detailed publicly on 23 September when full-year figures through 30 June 2026 are released.