Thousands of Manchester United fans have gathered outside Old Trafford to protest the Glazer family’s ownership of the club.
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It has been a truly incredible week in the world of football, with a proposed breakout Super League – in front of 12 major European clubs, including the Premier League’s ‘big sex’ – collapsing within 72 hours of the announcement of mass condemnation from supporters, players and knowledgeable peers.
Mass protests had already taken place at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge, Tottenham’s own named stadium and Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in recent days – as well as at Anfield before Liverpool’s clash with Newcastle – but it was Manchester United’s turn on Saturday afternoon; angry at the continued ownership of the Glazers, who were fully supportive of releasing themselves from the UEFA-approved Champions League.
Glare was released at Old Trafford | OLI SCARFF / Getty Images
A large number of supporters gathered at the Trinity statue, hanging banners and scarves demanding that the Glazers leave the club. Many were in green and gold colors that have become synonymous with fans protesting their ownership since they bought the club in 2005.
The organized protest, announced on Friday to allow police to coordinate and distribute necessary resources, follows an incident at United’s Carrington training ground on Thursday, when fans were given access to restricted areas to protest against the Glazers.
Supporters could talk directly to Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Nemanja Matic, who all listened to what they had to say before being escorted from the premises.
That prompted Joel Glazer to enter unchecked territory that afternoon and released a statement to United fans on the club’s website apologizing for joining the Super League.
At least 3,000 here now at the #GlazersOut protest at Old Trafford. Stains, banners and songs from the United greats still continue for an hour. Pic.twitter.com/b3MZpbl95K
– Mike Parrott (@MikeParrott_) April 24, 2021
Manchester United fans sing for Solskjær. ?? #MUFC #GlazersOut [@MikeParrott_] pic.twitter.com/514C8Bhikt
– mufcmpb (@mufcMPB) April 24, 2021
Newton Heath’s green and gold torches are finally out for the #LUHG #GlazersOut protest. pic.twitter.com/N4TwbTNmhb
– Mike Parrott (@MikeParrott_) April 24, 2021
I’m really proud of everyone who showed up at the protest at Old Trafford today
On behalf of the entire Manchester United fan base, thank you! We go again on the 2nd of May. # GlazersOut pic.twitter.com/DFNgbhwESG
– ً Ellis. (@UtdEIIis) April 24, 2021
I wonder if they got the message? #GlazersOut pic.twitter.com/87kbXkKW7y
– Alex (@ UnitedDNA99) April 24, 2021
Thanks to everyone involved. You have made your clubs proud. #KroenkeOut #GlazersOut pic.twitter.com/gCbNrZInx8
– Patrick Timmons (@ PatrickTimmons1) April 24, 2021
“You made your opposition to the European Super League very clear, and we have listened,” said Glazer, co-chairman. “We have done it wrong and we want to show that we can fix things.
“Although the wounds are raw and I understand that it will take time for the scars to heal, I am personally committed to rebuilding the trust of our fans and learning from the message you delivered with such conviction.
“This is the world’s largest football club and we apologize without reservation for the unrest caused in recent days. It is important for us to rectify it.”
Ed Woodward leaves Manchester United at the end of 2021 | Craig Mercer / MB Media / Getty Images
If that wasn’t enough, Vice President Ed Woodward has already resigned after months of tension with the club’s fans – although his resignation is believed to be due to the fact that he did not back down the idea of breaking away to form a Super League, rather than being part of the system. He will officially leave the club at the end of 2021.
