Some protesters wore clown masks as disgruntled Manchester United fans marched toward Old Trafford on Sunday to express their anger at the ownership of the club. The 1958 – the fan group organising the march – has been a vocal critic of the Glazer family, which took a controlling stake of United in 2005, and British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, the owner of petrochemical giant INEOS, who assumed control of the club’s soccer operations in 2024. The latest anti-ownership demonstration took place ahead of United’s Premier League match against Fulham. Fans chanted against the owners and held banners as smoke from flares filled the air while the protesters marched down Sir Matt Busby Way to the forecourt at the stadium. Greater Manchester Police indicated there were between 500 and 600 protesters and no arrests had been made. The 1958 group has complained about the “dysfunctional, inept ownership” of the 20-time English champions, whose last league title was in 2013. The Glazers have been unpopular among fans since their leveraged buyout of the club 21 years ago. There was hope Ratcliffe – a boyhood United supporter – would bring the good times back but his minority ownership has so far been marked by high-profile hirings and firings, ticket price hikes and sweeping cost cuts.Story continues below this ad United continue winning run under Carrick Utd’s Benjamin Sesko struck deep into stoppage time in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Fulham on Sunday as the home side continued their resurgence under interim boss Michael Carrick. The win propelled United to fourth place in the standings on 41 points and added another statement result to Carrick’s reign, coming after wins over Manchester City and leaders Arsenal. Fulham fell to eighth. United led 2-0 after goals from Brazilians Casemiro in the 19th minute and Matheus Cunha in the 56th. But Fulham battled back with Raul Jimenez scoring from the penalty spot in the 85th and then Kevin celebrated the equaliser in the 91st minute.
Manchester United fans wear clown masks in latest protest at club’s owners
