Manchester United fans staged a large protest against the club's owners, the Glazer family, and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, ahead of their Premier League match against Fulham on Sunday. The protest, organized by the fan group "The 1958," saw hundreds of supporters march towards Old Trafford, many donning clown masks to symbolize what they perceive as a "circus" like management of the club.

The Glazer family has been a target of fan anger since their controversial takeover in 2005. The 1958 group has been at the forefront of various demonstrations against the American owners over the years. More recently, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who acquired a minority stake in February 2024 and assumed control of the club's soccer operations, has also drawn the ire of supporters.

This week, The 1958 claimed that United is "being dragged through chaos by clown ownership" and is being "run like a circus", which was visually represented by the clown masks worn by many protesters. The group accuses Ratcliffe of helping to keep the unpopular Glazer family in charge.

The march began at two meeting points near Old Trafford. As protesters made their way down Sir Matt Busby Way to the stadium forecourt, they chanted against the owners and held banners, while smoke from flares filled the air. One banner read: "Glazers: 20 years of theft and lies," while another stated: "The clock is ticking - Glazers Out". The Daily Star reported that over 6,000 supporters were expected to participate, with the group calling it potentially the "biggest ever protest against Manchester United's owners". Greater Manchester Police estimated the crowd size to be between 500 and 600, and reported no arrests.

Steve Crompton, a spokesperson for The 1958, told the Press Association that the protest was also about the partnership between Ineos (Ratcliffe's company) and the Glazers, which he believes "isn't working". He emphasized that the protests are not solely based on the team's performance on the pitch.

Frustration has mounted due to a number of contentious changes implemented since Ratcliffe became part owner, including issues with ticket pricing and availability. The group also expressed concerns about the work of chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox. The 1958 has voiced strong criticism of the "dysfunctional, inept ownership" of the club, whose last league title was in 2013. They feel that instead of being "best in class" the club is becoming a "laughing stock".

"We want our football club back," Crompton stated, reflecting the sentiment of many fans. The 1958, which claims to have around 100,000 members, has been actively campaigning against the ownership, with key frustrations including ticket prices and the treatment of fans. They believe the club's "proud history" is being threatened and that action is needed to protect its culture, soul, and people.