A Difficult Time for Manchester United Fans
This is not a great time to be a Manchester United fan, and many supporters have reached their breaking point. The team is enduring one of its worst seasons in half a century, and the club is facing a bleak financial picture. These challenges have been exacerbated by the cost-cutting measures implemented by the INEOS group, which has further strained relationships with fans and staff. Anger towards the club’s owners, the Glazer family, has persisted for two decades, but the current situation has intensified these emotions. As a result, supporters are planning a significant protest ahead of Sunday’s Premier League game against Arsenal, which could be one of the most ardent demonstrations Old Trafford has seen.
Organizing the Protest
The protest is being organized by the supporter group The 1958, which has a long history of activism against the Glazers’ ownership. The group believes this week’s protest "could be one of the largest ever". The march will begin at the Tollgate, a pub close to Old Trafford, with protestors making their way towards the stadium prior to kickoff. Once inside, further demonstrations from the stands are expected. This follows a similar protest that took place before the FA Cup exit against Fulham, and other demonstrations have been staged throughout recent seasons. The 1958 has called for unity among all United fans, urging them to send a clear message to the club’s management. Steve Crompton, a spokesperson for The 1958, described the club as "slowly dying before our eyes" and pinpointed the blame at the current ownership model, which he believes is leading the club to financial ruin.
The Symbolism of Wearing Black
As part of Sunday’s protest, United fans attending the game have been urged to wear black clothing. This choice of attire symbolizes "how the club is ‘slowly dying’ due to huge debts, mismanagement, and fan exploitation". The 1958 group has asked supporters who are not joining the protest march to wear black as a show of solidarity. The decision to wear black is a powerful visual statement, aiming to convey the deep dissatisfaction and concern felt by the fan base. It highlights the financial and managerial issues that have plagued the club and the perceived neglect of the supporters and staff who are bearing the brunt of the club’s struggles.
The Glazer Family’s Leveraged Buyout
Fan anger towards the Glazers has been simmering since 2005 when the American family bought a majority stake in the club through a leveraged buyout. This method of acquisition involved financing a significant part of the £790 million cost through loans secured against the club’s own assets, immediately placing over £500 million of debt onto the club. Over the years, this debt has grown beyond £1 billion, while the Glazers have continued to take dividend payments of approximately £20 million per year. This financial burden, coupled with minimal investment in the club’s infrastructure, has allowed rivals like Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, and even Tottenham to surpass United in terms of training facilities, management, and team quality. The Glazers’ approach to player acquisitions and managerial changes has also been criticized, with fans feeling that the club has spent money unwisely on big-name players while failing to address fundamental issues like the leaking Old Trafford roof.
The INEOS Group and Further Struggles
The arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as a minority stakeholder in February last year was initially seen as a potential turning point for the club. The Glazers handed over matters relating to the sports side of the club to the INEOS group, hoping to improve the club’s fortunes. However, major missteps from those in charge, along with ruthless cost-cutting measures, have only deepened the club’s problems. Hundreds of employees have been laid off, concession ticket prices have been scrapped, and staff are feeling deeply unhappy. These actions have not only affected the morale of the workforce but have also led to a decline in the team’s performance on the pitch. The club’s economic picture has worsened in the short term, and the fans’ frustration is palpable. The current state of affairs is far from what supporters and staff had hoped for, and it is highly unlikely that this will be the last protest of its kind.
Looking Ahead
The protest against the Glazers and the INEOS group is a sign of the deep dissatisfaction and concern within the Manchester United fan base. Fans are no longer willing to stand by and watch their beloved club decline. The collective action planned for Sunday’s game is a call for change and accountability from those in charge. While the road ahead may be uncertain, the fans’ determination is clear. They are hoping that their united voice will force the club’s management to address the financial and operational issues that have been plaguing the club. The current state of Manchester United is a far cry from the glory days under Sir Matt Busby and other legendary figures, and the fans are determined to restore the club’s former greatness. The protest is a reminder that the club’s identity and success are deeply intertwined with the support and loyalty of its fans.
