Manchester United Fan Group Delays Ratcliffe Protest After Split Opinion

• The 1958 postpones planned protest against Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazers ahead of United’s opener against Arsenal.
• Survey of nearly 26,000 fans shows majority want Ratcliffe held accountable but also believe he should be given more time.
• Group cites risk of “red on red” conflict and lack of unified fan sentiment as reasons for delay.

A Manchester United supporters’ group has postponed a planned protest against the club’s ownership that was set to take place before the Premier League opener against Arsenal on August 17.

The 1958 had organised a march to Old Trafford featuring banners aimed at minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who holds a 28.94% stake in United. The group has previously led numerous demonstrations targeting majority owners the Glazer family, but discontent has now also been directed at Ratcliffe following sweeping and sometimes unpopular changes since he took day-to-day operational control in February 2024.

“Jim Ratcliffe chose to get into bed with the Glazers and, in our opinion, is helping keep them in charge,” the group said last week.

However, a survey of nearly 26,000 supporters revealed a divided opinion. While almost 63% believe Ratcliffe and his Ineos company should be held accountable for their decisions through protest, 68% felt they should be given more time.

The group said: “With a fanbase as diverse and passionate as ours, finding the right balance isn’t always easy. We’ve had to consider momentum, timing, fan appetite, broader consequences of protest activity whilst assessing how current and future decisions may impact us as fans.

“Given the current sentiment within the fanbase and particularly in light of these recent survey results, it’s clear there is no unified view on the direction of the club under Ratcliffe. That split is real, and we believe it would be irresponsible to risk creating a situation that could result in any ‘red on red’ conflict inside or outside the stadium.”

The delay means the demonstration will not coincide with United’s clash with Arsenal, although the group indicated they will continue to monitor fan sentiment and the club’s direction before deciding on future action.