Manchester United Fans Plan Protest Despite Revival Under Carrick

Even after back-to-back morale-boosting wins and renewed optimism on the pitch, discontent off it continues to grow at Manchester United. Supporters are pressing ahead with plans to protest ahead of Sunday’s home Premier League clash against Fulham, underlining that improved results have not softened their anger toward the club’s ownership.

The planned march to Old Trafford was originally arranged before United’s surprise victories over Manchester City and Arsenal, but organisers have made it clear they will not back down. The protest is being led by supporter group The 1958, which has long criticised what it calls the club’s “dysfunctional, inept ownership.”

“Bring the heat. Bring the noise. Bring your love for the club,” the group posted on X this week, urging fans to turn out in numbers.

The group’s criticism is aimed at United’s current ownership structure, involving the American Glazer family and British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe. Ratcliffe, owner of petrochemical giant INEOS, took control of football operations after purchasing an initial 25 per cent stake for $1.3 billion in 2024. However, his arrival has coincided with a turbulent period that saw two head coaches dismissed and the club endure its worst-ever Premier League campaign last season.

The Glazers, meanwhile, have remained deeply unpopular since their leveraged buyout of United in 2005. Many fans hoped Ratcliffe, a boyhood United supporter, would restore stability and success. Instead, his minority ownership has so far been marked by high-profile hirings and firings, rising ticket prices, and sweeping cost cuts, further fuelling supporter frustration. The 1958 has described the situation as a “toxic partnership where fans are getting the worst of both worlds.”

On the pitch, interim head coach Michael Carrick has overseen a clear upturn in form since replacing Ruben Amorim, who was fired earlier this month. Carrick’s side have beaten City and Arsenal, climbed to fourth in the table, and moved into the Champions League places.

Still, the timing of the protest appears unusual given the revival. United now have a chance against Fulham to claim three consecutive league wins for only the second time this season. Yet supporters remain resolute.

“We deserve better, and our traditions need to be respected,” The 1958 said.

There have also been encouraging individual performances, with Bryan Mbeumo returning from the Africa Cup of Nations and scoring in both recent wins. However, injury concerns remain after reports that Patrick Dorgu could miss up to 10 weeks with a hamstring problem.

For many fans, results alone are not enough. The protest, they say, is about the long-term future of Manchester United.