Man Utd fan group announce protest U-turn after mixed response, The 1958 pledge to continue fight for match-goers

Manchester United fan group The 1958 have postponed a planned protest for this Sunday.

It was announced last week that Manchester United fan group The 1958, who focus on matters concerning match-going Reds, would protest ahead of the opening game of the Premier League season against Arsenal.

While United dominate the headlines for their transfers over the summer, many feel aggrieved that job security is almost non-existent at Old Trafford since Ineos got involved in the running of the football club.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe can boast about the new £50m training facility for United’s first team, which warrants praise, but perhaps not at the cost of hundreds of redundancies since he became co-owner.

United fans have also been hit with season ticket prices that raise questions over whether Ratcliffe cares for the club’s most loyal supporters, who attend matches home and away.

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The 1958 U-turn on Ratcliffe protests

The 1958 group have been protesting against the Glazers for years, with the most recent demonstration taking place before the final game of the 2024/25 season against Aston Villa.

It was announced last week that the group would be holding a protest before the opening game of the Premier League season against Arsenal.

The difference with the latest protest is that it would also target minority owner Ratcliffe for the first time.

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After receiving backlash from many of their supporters, The 1958 announced they have postponed action until later in the season.

In a statement sent to United In Focus, The 1958 said: “Following the results of a fan survey, The 1958 has announced that the proposed protest ahead of the Arsenal game on Sunday has been postponed. However, the fight against the current ownership model and accountability for decisions impacting United supporters will continue.”

The 1958’s priorities include protecting the future of United, affordable football for all, safeguarding fan culture, and ensuring the next generation of supporters inherit a club run with responsibility and respect.

The 1958 decided against the protests on the back of recent survey results that show there is “no unified view on the direction of the club under Ratcliffe”.

It’s been a week of positive headlines for United, too. The Red Devils announced the signing of Benjamin Sesko and are in the hunt to lure Carlos Baleba away from Brighton.

Man Utd fan survey results

The survey results are in and show that 63% think Ratcliffe and Ineos can be and should be judged on their actions so far.

Another 68% believe Ratcliffe and Ineos should be given more time ranging from Christmas to more than one season to deliver following years of gross mismanagement under the Glazers.

The 1958 are trying to unify United fans and their decision to U-turn on the protest following a fan survey shows that they are willing to listen to fellow supporters.

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