FANS have invaded Old Trafford in protest at the club’s ownership and have got on to the pitch before police cleared them away.
The match against Liverpool has been DELAYED after supporters broke into the Theatre of Dreams and ran on to the pitch.
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SOU WHAT?
Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool star Graeme Souness has bizarrely defended the Glazers’ ownership.
The Scot, 67, said of United’s recent barren run without Premier League titles: “It is not the Glazer’s fault.”
Graeme Souness has defended the GlazersCredit: Getty GLAZING OVER
Former Manchester United star Gary Neville, alongside Jamie Carragher, has backed protesting Red Devils fans this afternoon.
The Sky Sports pundit passionately said of Joel Glazer: “He said he wanted to rebuild the trust [of the fans] — he never had the trust.”
Carra added: “They’ve [the Glazers] only got themselves to blame.”
Carragher and Neville have defended protestersCredit: Action Images MAXIMUM DISRUPTION
Here is the shocking moment that broadcasting equipment was vandalised at Old Trafford.
Thousands of fans took to the Theatre of Dreams to protest against the ownership of the Glazers at Manchester United.
FANS BACK OUT – TEAMS ARE IN – KICK-OFF DELAYED
The fans have now left Old Trafford – again – and the teams have been announced.
United: Henderson, Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw, Fred, McTominay, Pogba, Fernandes, Rashford, Greenwood.
Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Kabak, Phillips, Robertson, Milner, Thiago, Fabinho, Mane, Salah, Firmino.
Neither team has arrived at the ground yet and the kick-off has been delayed until further notice.
FANS BACK INSIDE OLD TRAFFORD
There are fans back inside Old Trafford – this time sitting in seats – according to reports.
Between 20 and 30 protesters are believed to have broken through for a second time.
With just over an hour to go before the Liverpool match, it seems hard to believe a game will be played at Old Trafford this evening.
We’ll keep you updated.
PITCH CLEARED
The pitch at Old Trafford has now been cleared – much to relief of Sky pundits Micah Richards, Roy Keane and Graeme Souness.
The Premier League believe today’s match between United and Liverpool WILL take place at 4:30pm as planned.
Although the pitch has cleared, there are still thousands of United fans outside the ground making their voices heard.
Here’s the latest video…
FLARES SHOT AT SKY PODIUM
More and more protesters are making their way on to the Old Trafford pitch.
And a FLARE has just been sent towards the podium where Sky Sports were due cover today’s match from.
It now seems unlikely the game against Liverpool will go ahead this evening.
Here is the footage…
AND NOW THEY’RE ON THE PITCH!
Incredible scenes at Old Trafford as protesters make their way on to the pitch!
For the first time in more than a year, there are thousands of supporters inside the ground.
But not to watch a football match…
LAST LINE OF DEFENCE
The protesters are now screaming down the doors at Old Trafford in a bid to persuade the Glazers to sell the club.
Here’s the latest video…
BARRIERS DOWN AT OT
Protesters have now broken through the barriers at Old Trafford as events are escalating quickly in Manchester.
Here’s the moment they broke through…
PROTEST BEGINS AT OLD TRAFFORD
Thousands of United fans are expected at Old Trafford today to protest against owners the Glazers.
The outcry has already begun, with two-and-a-half hours still to go before United host Liverpool at the ground.
Here’s the latest video from Manchester…
CAVANI WINS PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Edinson Cavani has been named United’s Player of the Month for April.
Speaking of the striker – who is out of contract in the summer – boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “He’s more than just a goal poacher and good goalscorer.
“He’s played for so long that he has that calmness and composure about him. He’s showing his experience. We want the experienced players to step up and he definitely has done.
“He was out for seven months and had not played for a long time before he came. He had injuries but worked hard, showed his quality. He knows I’d love to have him for another year.
“I understand it’s been very difficult for him. I’ve promised him Old Trafford and Manchester is a different place with fans in it.
“I’m doing my best! Hopefully, nights like this help him see himself here for another year.”
THE R£D$
Liverpool have risen above Manchester United in the Premier League wage bill standings – but still sit miles adrift of Manchester City.
The official salary totals for the 2019-20 season have been confirmed.
Arsenal and Tottenham ran the tightest ship wage-wise, spending just £225m and £181m respectively last term.
Click here to read the detailed list.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BECKS
It’s David Beckham’s 46th birthday today!
Has there ever been a better free-kick taker?
You decide…
SHAW LOVES TRIO
Luke Shaw has also highlighted the importance of Bruno Fernandes, Edinson Cavani and Paul Pogba.
Speaking to the official United website, Shaw said: “In the big games, big moments, big players come alive. All three of them did against Roma.
“I think everyone was brilliant in the second half but, of course, we know the quality that they’ve got and possess and they showed that.
“Hopefully that can push them on now in the end of the season, every game now is very important. We want to finish the season high in the league and of course win the Europa League.”
CONFIDENCE HIGH
Luke Shaw has admitted United’s confidence is high heading into today’s match against Liverpool.
Speaking to the official United website, Shaw said: “I’ve been here for a long time now, so I know how important this [the Liverpool] game is.
“Of course the players do but most importantly the fans as well. It’s a game we’re looking forward to.
“Of course, we come off the back of a really good win so confidence is high and we’re looking forward to the game on Sunday.”
THE RUN-IN
United fans will be hoping they have six fixtures left to play this season after today’s match against Liverpool.
Next up is the second leg of the Europa League semi-final against Roma on Thursday, May 6.
Should United hold on to their 6-2 lead, they will face either Arsenal or Villarreal in the final on May 26.
Before then, they play Aston Villa, Leicester City, Fulham and Wolves in the Premier League.
United are currently second in the table, four points ahead of the Foxes in third having played a game less.
POGBA READY
Paul Pogba has recognised the importance of today’s game against bitter rivals Liverpool.
Speaking to the United Review before the match, the World Cup winner said: “Obviously, every game is important but even more so against Liverpool; we know the rivalry between the two clubs.
“But we have to think about us – we are in second place and we want to stay there and push the first one [Manchester City], so obviously this is an important game for us and we want to win this one.”
Credit: AP PREM SUCCESS
Let’s take a look at United’s Premier League season so far.
With 16 goals and 11 assists in the league, it’s hard to deny Bruno Fernandes has been their best player this year.
Luke Shaw’s revival is supported by the stats as he’s delivered 157 Premier League crosses this term.
Captain Harry Maguire, pulling the strings from the back, has made more than 2,000 passes in the league so far.
Here’s everything you need to know…
SANCH-GO
Borussia Dortmund chief Michael Zorc has confirmed Jadon Sancho has a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ in place regarding his future – but this is not the case for Erling Haaland.
Both Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the 21-year-old.
Speaking to ARD, Zorc said: “We already had a gentlemen’s agreement with Jadon last year that he can switch under certain conditions.
“He’s been with us for a couple of years. However, this agreement does not exist with Erling.”
Speaking of United’s pursuit of Sancho last summer, Zorc added: “In the end, the requirements were not met.”
CAV IT ALL
For Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the equation is simple – a smile on the face of his dynamic duo over the next few weeks means a beaming grin on his own for months.
With an added bonus of convincing Manchester United’s third musketeer that the Theatre of Dreams is indeed the place to turn them into reality.
Solskjaer said: “Edi and Paul are winners but are also human beings. So it’s important they enjoy playing for this team.
“If we can play like we did against Roma, if we go again against Liverpool and they can feel our progress, our chances are bigger to keep them.
“I have always said with Paul I enjoy managing him, I enjoy coaching him, I enjoy talking to him and I also enjoy challenging him.
“You can see he’s enjoying himself here, he has a smile on his face.”
Credit: Getty
REMEMBER NANI?
The ex-Manchester United winger scored a superb goal for current side Orlando City in last night’s match against Cincinnati.
Since leaving the Red Devils in 2015, Nani has played for Fenerbahce, Valencia, Lazio, Sporting and the MLS team.
Here’s the goal…
GOOD MORNING MAN UTD FANS
Paul Pogba will be sold this summer if he refuses to commit to signing a new deal at Manchester United.
Yet United are still confident they can keep him at Old Trafford — even though it will cost a fortune to do so.
And that is likely to lead to an exit for David De Gea, as the money saved on the keeper’s wages would help cover the hefty pay hike Pogba would demand.
The French midfielder, 28, could leave on a free when his contract ends in just over a year, with ex-club Juventus leading the chase. United chiefs are getting twitchy and want talks with his agent Mino Raiola.
They lost him for nothing when he joined Juve as a teen in 2012 — and paid out £89million to re-sign him in 2016.
Old Trafford bosses are keen to keep him, despite the fact he will want at least £500,000 a week.
United will also will reject any approaches for Donny van de Beek this summer despite a flop first season.
SunSport understands his former club Ajax are keen on bringing the Dutch midfielder back on loan.
But Old Trafford chiefs will reject that and issue a hands-off warning to any other interested teams.
United have big plans for the 24-year-old — who cost £40million last summer and has played just 330 minutes in the Premier League.
The Red Devils have told him to sit tight and he will get his chance — even though he has struggled to break into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting 11.
POG OFF
Paul Pogba will be sold this summer if he refuses to commit to signing a new deal at Manchester United.
Yet United are still confident they can keep him at Old Trafford — even though it will cost a fortune to do so.
And that is likely to lead to an exit for David De Gea, as the money saved on the keeper’s wages would help cover the hefty pay hike Pogba would demand.
The French midfielder, 28, could leave on a free when his contract ends in just over a year, with ex-club Juventus leading the chase. United chiefs are getting twitchy and want talks with his agent Mino Raiola.
They lost him for nothing when he joined Juve as a teen in 2012 — and paid out £89million to re-sign him in 2016.
Old Trafford bosses are keen to keep him, despite the fact he will want at least £500,000 a week.
RIGHT VAN MAN
Man Utd will reject any approaches for Donny van de Beek this summer despite a flop first season.
SunSport understands his former club Ajax are keen on bringing the Dutch midfielder back on loan.
But Old Trafford chiefs will reject that and issue a hands-off warning to any other interested teams.
United have big plans for the 24-year-old — who cost £40million last summer and has played just 330 minutes in the Premier League.
The Red Devils have told him to sit tight and he will get his chance — even though he has struggled to break into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting 11.
Van de Beek and Solskjaer have held talks recently about his future and the United boss made his stance clear.
The Holland international has become a big fan favourite at the club despite his lack of first-team action.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
