Fan Group Protests Ownership Amidst Manchester United Turmoil

In February 2024, Manchester United fans witnessed Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquire a minority stake in the club.

An influential fan organization, known as the 1958 group, is organizing a protest against the club’s ownership, alleging that it has transformed Manchester United into a “circus.”

This group previously orchestrated large-scale protests in March of last year regarding the club’s management, but they opted against a similar action prior to the season’s opening home match against Arsenal.

Recent weeks have seen increasing discontent directed towards Ratcliffe, particularly following the hiring and subsequent firing of coach Ruben Amorim, which has prompted calls for a demonstration before the Red Devils face Fulham on February 1.

During a recent match against Burnley, fans displayed an anti-Ratcliffe banner and chanted derogatory songs about co-chairman Joel Glazer. The 1958 group’s statement criticized Ratcliffe, asserting, “After lurching from one disaster to another, Ratcliffe comes across as an incompetent clown turning the club into a circus. Instead of being the best in class, we have become a laughing stock.”

The statement continued, “It has been an extraordinary and deeply troubling few days at Manchester United. On the pitch, we are witnessing mediocre performances from an average team lacking identity, direction, or ambition. Off it, the chaos is even worse.”

Senior officials at Manchester United are actively seeking a caretaker manager to replace Amorim, although substantial discussions with leading candidates Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick have yet to occur.

Supporters of Ratcliffe highlight his investment of £250 million into the club, which includes a comprehensive overhaul of the Carrington training complex as evidence of his commitment to advancing the club’s prospects.

However, critics point to the decision to retain Erik ten Hag following the 2024 FA Cup victory over Manchester City, invest £200 million in new talent, and subsequently dismiss him after just nine games into the Premier League season as indicative of poor judgment. This pattern was replicated with Amorim, who was let go after a disappointing 15th-place finish last season.

The 1958 group clarified their stance, stating, “Let us be clear: this is not a defense of Ruben or the football served under him; much of it was unacceptable. However, his dismissal once again highlights the ongoing dysfunction at our club.”

Ratcliffe, aged 73, has faced backlash for various cost-saving measures, including two rounds of redundancies and increased ticket prices.

Manchester United is set to host Brighton in the FA Cup third round on January 11, with Darren Fletcher temporarily overseeing the team.

Fletcher, a former United and Scotland midfielder currently serving as the Under-18 coach, has garnered respect from senior officials for his management during this interim period, with many believing that the performance against Burnley could have led to a more favorable outcome on another day.

While there is no set timeline for appointing a caretaker manager through the end of the season, a decision is anticipated before the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on January 17.

Preparations for that match will commence on Monday, but sources indicate it may be overly optimistic to expect a resolution by then. Moreover, those familiar with the situation believe that Solskjaer and Carrick are regarded as independent managerial candidates rather than potential collaborators, contrasting their roles under Jose Mourinho’s tenure in 2018.