Manchester United fans have been unhappy with the Glazer ownership since Malcolm Glazer took majority ownership of the club in 2005.
It has been a devastating 20 years in Manchester United’s history, if you can overlook the success achieved during that time under Sir Alex Ferguson, due to the Glazers triggering a compulsory takeover in June 2005.
United fans have fought passionately against the Glazers while supporting the team, during the highs and the lows, and that fight remains in the stands today.
The Glazer takeover at Manchester United signalled the beginning of a dark period at Old Trafford, one that would see the stadium look a shadow of its former self due to negligence.
We are now approaching the 20th anniversary of that takeover yet the Glazers remain as majority owners, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe operating as co-owner.
Despite the influence of Ineos, United fan group The 1958 have organised several peaceful protests against the Glazer family – like they did for a few years prior to Ratcliffe’s partial takeover.
The 1958 have been at the forefront of protests again throughout an awful 2024/25 season.
The 1958 announce latest Glazer protest
Manchester United supporter group The 1958 have announced another protest against the Glazers’ ownership before the final game of the Premier League season against Aston Villa.
After a successful protest with FC United of Manchester, The 1958 are back, ready to make more noise against the Glazer family.
The 1958 recently encouraged fellow United fans to join a sit-in protest after the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on April 6. They have now announced fresh plans to protest again before the last home game on the final day of the league season.
In a statement issued to the press, The 1958 explained they are protesting to mark the 20th anniversary of the Glazers takeover.
It read: “May 2005 marked one of the darkest days in the history of Manchester United Football Club. The Glazer family became majority shareholders, triggering a compulsory takeover that was completed on 29th June 2005.
“That moment signalled the beginning of the end for the soul and community of our once-great club — sacrificed at the altar of corporate greed.
“Sir Alex Ferguson, a staunch supporter of the Glazers then and now, masked the damage with unprecedented success on the pitch. Since his retirement, the rot beneath has been laid bare for all to see — the true cost of 20 years of financial exploitation and mismanagement.
- The club is drowning in over a billion pounds of debt (down to Glazer greed and betrayal)
- Our fanbase is fractured and divided (down to Glazer greed and betrayal)
- Our stadium neglected (down to Glazer greed and betrayal)
“Hundreds of millions have been siphoned off to service that debt — not by the Glazers, but by our club. All while the Glazers continue to pocket dividends, year after year, regardless of failure on the pitch.
“Old Trafford, once the Theatre of Dreams, is crumbling from decades of neglect. They’ve taken everything.
“Now, even Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival has come at the cost of hundreds of jobs, further punishing a fanbase already suffering under the Glazers’ reign. Lifelong, loyal supporters are being driven away from the club they love — priced out and pushed aside. Another dagger in the heart of our footballing community.
“Make no mistake — this is the legacy of the Glazer family: greed, decay, and betrayal. Our final home game of the season is against Aston Villa. We march. As one fanbase. To make it clear: 20 years on, the fire still burns Red — with fury and defiance.
“We want the Glazers out of our club. They were never welcome. They are not welcome now. They will never be welcome. We protest once again at Villa, more details to follow.”
What date is the protest?
United fans have been invited to join the protest on May 25 for the final game of the season.
The 1958 want the Glazers “out” and they are not giving up without a fight.
The Glazers were never welcome at United and they never will be, even if Ratcliffe continues to work with them as a co-owner.
United fans continue to be resilient in the protests and that could help make a difference.
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