Green and gold protest targets United owners
On Sunday, green and gold balloons filled the view of Old Trafford, while thousands of supporters with banners and sharp chants directed their displeasure at the owners of the club, the Glazers and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, in a striking demonstration of frustration.
Ownership History
In 2005, the American Glazer family took over Manchester United through a structure in which a large part of the purchase was financed with loans, immediately burdening the club with substantial debt.
The Glazers imposed the debt on United with huge interest rates and regularly paid dividends to themselves.
BBC research revealed last year that Manchester United has spent nearly €1.5 billion since the takeover on interest, repayments, dividends and fees for the Glazer family.
The Glazers earned huge sums from the rise in share value and the subsequent sale, while the family invested no additional money in the club after 2005.
They are the only owners in top‑level football who actually make a large profit on a football club.
The Glazers have already achieved a profit of €1 billion and still own more than seventy percent of the shares.
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Ratcliffe's Plans and Consequences
In 2024, Sir Jim Ratcliffe bought a stake of almost thirty percent in Manchester United, with his company INEOS taking control of the football operations.
A series of mis‑purchases and a poor transfer policy caused the debts to pile up, prompting Ratcliffe to implement a sizable cost‑cutting round; ticket prices rose and less was invested in the current squad.
Ratcliffe aims to make the club future‑proof with a new stadium for one hundred thousand spectators, a project that would cost €2 billion and thus dramatically shrink the transfer budget.
Technical director Jason Wilcox, appointed by Ratcliffe, has only brought in three first‑team players this summer, all midfielders, leaving United now short‑handed in defence and attack.
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Protest and Recent Discontent
After a run of poor results, Carrick was given an extra chance against Chelsea, Roma and Aston Villa; he won after a sensational second half against Roma, secured a point against Villa and now appears to be dismissed just before a tough schedule.
The green and gold colours refer to Newton Heath, the club's original name, and have long been the theme of protests against the Glazers.
An attempt was made to mass‑exit the stadium in the 21st minute, because the Glazers took over the club 21 years ago; the action received little follow‑up as the tickets had already been paid for and it did not financially affect the Glazers.