A SIGNIFICANT Manchester United supporters’ group has unveiled plans for a protest on March 9.
The 1958, who boast more than 125,000 followers on X, have announced that they intend to stage a protest around the Red Devils’ home match with Arsenal next month.
Man Utd have endured a torrid season on and off the pitch, with Ruben Amorim’s side sitting 13th in the Premier League amid a backdrop of ticket price hikes and mass staff redundancies.
Announcing their intention to protest, the 1958’s statement began: “We have been preparing for this for a few weeks in anticipation.
“We are angry, the fans are angry and it’s been building for some time.
“We have all been more than patient.
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“We all know the root cause, we have always known the elephant in the room.
“Yet, this isn’t being addressed.
“It’s those who can least afford it, have the most emotional connection with our club who are being asked to pay the price in more ways than one.
“Trampling over generational support and memories of friends and family who handed the club over to us like something they have stepped in.”
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The 1958’s statement then outlines the seven key factors that have led them to this action.
They begin with the way the club has treated fans, the “eradication of fan culture” and “the assault on concessions and generational fans”.
The statement then accuses the club of “putting profit before fan safety” and “everything”.
It then includes gripes with the club’s “lack of communication and transparency” and “the uncertainty” around the club’s “future“.
On their unhappiness with the club’s communication, the 1958 add: “They can hold meetings with the FAB (Fan Advisory Board) which is all under NDA.
“It is supposed to be for the fans YET they can’t tell the fans anything. It’s a disgrace!
‘AT YOUR PERIL’
“These meetings are effectively gagged and it is NOT open and transparent dialogue with fans. Not even close.
“The silence from the club is deafening. We rise again to defend our club and be warned this will not just be on the street campaigns at the ground.
“Keep treating the fans with contempt at your peril.”
The statement concludes by claiming that further information will emerge in the coming days.
While their social media post also includes a video featuring footage from previous protests.
Earlier this season, United’s Ineos chiefs hiked ticket prices up to a minimum £66 per game, with no concessions.
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Earlier this week it emerged that between 100-200 further club staff members are set to be made redundant, following the 250 job cuts made last July.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s controversial first year at Old Trafford has also included getting rid of Sir Alex Ferguson from his £2.16m per year ambassador role and cancelling the staff Christmas party.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man Utd
SIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…
December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old Trafford
January 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington
January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO
February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed
February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin added
March 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre move
March 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s football
March 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old Trafford
March 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in December
April 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled
April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director
April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton
May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanliness
May 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roof
May 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish
May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy
May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticket
May 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axed
May 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of result
June 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground
June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into office
June 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s team
July 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensation
July 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026
July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.
July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment
July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board
July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125
July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex Wylie
August 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window
August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toilet
October 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex Ferguson
October 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled
October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matches
October 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15m
November 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause
November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim
November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings
November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association
December 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century”
December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66
December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting director
December 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucher
December 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth
December 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two stars
December 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
