MANCHESTER, England (AP) — And then winning streak Despite facing the Premier League’s top two teams and renewed optimism for Manchester United, fans are planning a protest ahead of Sunday’s home game against Fulham.
A march to Old Trafford was planned ahead of morale-boosting wins over Manchester City and Arsenal, but organizers refused to back down, saying the demonstration was against the 20-time English champions’ “dysfunctional and incompetent ownership”.
“Bring the heat, bring the noise, bring the love for the club,” fan group The 1958 posted to X this week.
The group includes United’s owners, America’s Glazer family, and British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe.
Ratcliffe, owner of petrochemical giant INEOS, took control of the football business in 2024 by buying an initial 25% stake for $1.3 billion, but last season’s performance plummeted as two coaches were sacked and the league had its worst season in Premier League history.
The Glazers have been unpopular with fans since they purchased the club in 2005. It was hoped that Ratcliffe, a boyhood United supporter, would recapture his good days, but his minority stake so far has been marked by high-profile hires and firings. Ticket price increase and thorough cost reduction.
Former player Michael Carrick He becomes the latest head coach after Ruben Amorim was fired this month for a limited time until the end of the season. Despite Carrick’s wins against City and Arsenal, fans’ anger towards the owners remains.
1958 describes this as “a toxic partnership in which fans get the worst of both worlds.”
Still, the timing seems odd given United’s form under Carrick has seen them rise to fourth in the table and Champions League places. The game against Fulham will be United’s second chance of winning their third consecutive league win this season.
However, fans are trying to convey their feelings to the owners.
The 1958 said, “We have a right to be better and our traditions need to be respected.”
major matches
On a three-game winless streak in the league, leaders Arsenal will face in-form Leeds on Saturday. Liverpool will be winless in 2026 and host Newcastle. Second-placed Man City can keep the pressure on Arsenal with a win against Tottenham on Sunday. Third-placed Aston Villa will host Brentford.
Featured players
Brian Mbeumo’s return from the African Cup of Nations gave United a boost, scoring goals against City and Arsenal. Tammy Abraham has returned to Aston Villa and will add further depth to Unai Emery’s attack.
Activity suspended
Patrick Dorg is reported to be out for up to 10 weeks with a hamstring injury. Jeremy Doku is expected to miss City’s game against Tottenham. I injured my calf in the Champions League. Villa’s Youri Tielemans is also expected to feature in midweek. I’ll be out for about 10 weeks Through injury.
off the field
The Premier League is making moves on the final day of the January transfer window. City made big moves with the signings of Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi, Tottenham signed midfielder Conor Gallagher and Villa welcomed Abraham and Douglas Luiz this week to strengthen their unlikely title challenge. The counter closes on Monday.
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James Robson is https://x.com/James Saran Robson
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AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
