Manchester United Fans Rally for Change
Manchester United supporters are being urged to express their dissatisfaction at Sunday’s Premier League match against Arsenal. The green and gold protests that marked the fan’s opposition to the Glazer takeover are being replaced with a more somber approach, as fans are now being told to wear funeral black. This shift in tactics underscores the growing frustration and anger among the fanbase, who feel increasingly alienated from their beloved club. The recent plans for a protest on March 9 by a Manchester United supporters’ group highlight the depth of this sentiment.
Communication Breakdown
The relationship between Manchester United and its fans has been strained by a lack of communication.(Be it through justifying ticket-price increases, announcing a second round of job cuts, or implementing cost-cutting measures, the club’s leadership has relied heavily on impersonal mediums like emails and press releases. This approach has done little to foster a sense of community or mutual respect. The club’s decision to raise the lowest ticket price to £66, while seemingly minor in the face of record-breaking income of £662m, has further fueled fan resentment. Fans point to Liverpool’s recent freeze on season-ticket prices for the upcoming term as a stark contrast and a benchmark for what they expect from their own club. For many, the lack of direct engagement from figures like Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos sporting chief Sir Dave Brailsford is a major concern. They feel that the club’s top brass is as detached and unresponsive as the Florida-based Glazer family was during their tenure.
Share and Stake
The Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) has long advocated for a new share issue that would allow fans to invest and take a tangible stake in the club. This idea is particularly appealing to the wealthier segment of the fanbase, who might be willing to contribute financially even under Ineos’s control. Such a move could be a significant step towards rebuilding trust and reconnecting the club with its supporters. By giving fans a financial stake, the club would not only tap into an additional revenue stream but also empower the fans, making them feel more involved in the club’s future. However, the likelihood of this happening remains low, given the current ownership structure and the Glazers’ continued stake in the club.
The Glazer Conundrum
The demand for the Glazer family to sell their remaining 75 percent stake in Manchester United is arguably the most pressing and emotionally charged issue. The Glazers have been criticized for treating the club as a cash cow, having earned a staggering £1.3bn from share sales and dividend payments since their initial purchase in 2005 for less than £800m. Despite their controversial departure from the club, the Glazers have no immediate financial incentive to relinquish their remaining shares. In fact, the recent acquisition by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos has shifted the focus of fan anger away from the Glazers and onto the new ownership. This makes the prospect of a full sale even more remote, as the Glazers see little reason to part with an asset that continues to generate substantial profits.
Strategic Overhaul
Manchester United’s recent transfer market performances have been a source of deep disappointment for fans. The club’s tendency to sign players without a clear and defined role has left the squad looking disjointed and ill-suited to the tactical demands of the modern game, particularly Ruben Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation. Fans are calling for a more coherent and structured approach to transfers, one that aligns with the club’s long-term vision. They recognize that not every signing will be a success, but they want to see players who are brought in for specific reasons and who can contribute to a more focused squad. Additionally, there needs to be a clear chain of command and responsibility within the club. Constant managerial changes and the associated financial toll only serve to deepen fan disillusionment. The club must take the blame for failures, rather than placing undue pressure on individual managers.
On the Pitch Performance
Ultimately, a winning team under a strong, authoritative manager can provide a buffer that allows other long-term issues to be addressed with less scrutiny. Ruben Amorim arrived with high expectations, but the results have fallen short, leading to growing doubts about his leadership. If Amorim is given the opportunity to reshape the squad this summer, he must deliver visible and positive results on the field. The recent FA Cup defeat to Fulham, where Manchester United’s frustration culminated in a penalty shootout loss, has only heightened fan anxiety. Players like Bruno Fernandes, who consistently step up in critical moments, are the exception rather than the rule. Without a marked improvement in on-field performance, the mood among fans is likely to become increasingly hostile. The club must prioritize getting it right on the pitch, as this is the most immediate and tangible way to win back the faith of the supporters.
