FC United of Manchester and The 1958, a Manchester United fan group, are staging a joint action on Saturday against 20 years of Glazer ownership of Manchester United. The protest, called United United Day, marks the first formal attempt by FC United and a Manchester United supporter group to link forces since the non-league club’s foundation in 2005, which caused some division between fans.
The action will take place at seventh-tier FC United’s home fixture against Stockton on a weekend when Manchester United do not have a match. Fans will gather behind one of the goals before kick-off to display their disquiet at the American family’s proprietorship, which began with Malcolm Glazer’s leveraged purchase. That loaded about £500m debt on the club and caused a section of unhappy supporters to break away and form FC United. The club was officially founded on 18 May 2005 in an Indian restaurant in Rusholme.
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After Glazer died in May 2014, his six children took over and they remain the majority owners, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s share purchase of 28.94% last year making him the largest individual shareholder. United’s debt is about £730m. The club owes a further £300m in transfer fees and has lost £300m in the past three years.
FC United said: “Together, we will make our voices heard: enough is enough. FC United was born out of the anger and frustration of Manchester United supporters when the Glazers took over. Since 2005, we’ve never told United fans what they should do – we’ve always been clear that we are an option, a choice.
“The high-profile protests at Old Trafford over the last few years have been spearheaded by The 1958 group. In recent weeks, the group, in their attempts to unite the Manchester United fanbase, reached out to us and we have met with them.”
The 1958 posted on X: “For too long our fanbase has been divided. It’s time to unite all under a single unified cause. Join us, bring your banners, flags and voices.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea will have to pay Manchester United £5m if they do not wish to make Jadon Sancho’s loan move permanent for a £20m-£25m fee. The forward joined Chelsea last August on a temporary basis in a deal that included an obligation to buy if Chelsea finished no lower than 14th. Chelsea are fourth, 15 points ahead of Everton in 15th, with nine games left.
