Although Joshua Scott sealed a 1-0 defeat for FC United of Manchester, the combined voices of their passionate followers and those of The 1958 delivered a stirring showing on Saturday afternoon.
In a historic first for the two sets of supporters, approximately 200 emotional bodies took to Broadhurst Park before the Northern Premier League encounter with Stockton Town in protest of the Glazer family and their idle mismanagement.
An amalgamation of flares, songs and banners was on show before, during, and after the fixture. Additionally, members of The 1958 confirmed their intentions for a sit-in protest against Manchester City during a Q&A session at the St Mary’s Road End bar.
“Probably one of the most impactful [protests] was when we did the sit-in, and we will be running another against City,” Steve Crompton of The 1958 stated. “I don’t think everybody knows yet, but you do now.”
In response to revelations regarding ticket price hikes and an end to all concessions under the guidance of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazers, the Old Trafford loyal have had to stomach news of £66 seats at their Theatre of Dreams.
Needless to say, it has not received the desired response.
“We’re going to get people to sit in their seats,” Chris Haymes of The 1958 added. “Must [Manchester United Supporters’ Trust] did a flash survey and they reckon there’s going to be about 7,000 concessions, OAP, other people, who are not going to renew their season tickets.
“They’re trying to price them out of their seats, so we’re going to tell you to sit in your seat. That’s your seat that you paid for and probably have done for the last 50 or 60 years.”
Our Manchester United, not theirs!
As was the case in 2005 when the Manchester United faithful opposed Malcolm Glazer’s absurd leveraged purchase of the football club, those affected are refusing to remain quiet.
Despite uncertain times on the field, the 20-time English champions possess one of the largest worldwide audiences in the game. This was on show throughout the protest, with individuals travelling from far to lend their hand.
Peter O’Dowd is a 57-year-old Dubliner who has been a regular feature at Old Trafford since his teens. He feels a combination of financial burdens at home and in the North West are building towards isolation for him and many of the friends he has collected.
“It’s funny, you get to a certain point, and you start asking yourself, ‘Why do I keep doing this?’” he told me.
“I came here today to play a small part in a greater movement. I know I’m only a blow-in, but this place feels like home, and I have always been accepted.
“I work hard, always have, and I don’t have much. But, for a few hours at the weekend, I have this. Manchester is my heaven, and Manchester United is ours, not theirs. We will not be silent, we will not stop, and we do not care what people think. It’s not right, Shaun, it’s daylight robbery.”
A subsection of unhappy supporters broke away from United following the debt-loaded purchase in 2005, with FC United officially formed in May of that year.
While it was a contentious decision that rubbed many the wrong way, their cause has stood firm throughout two decades and continues to move forward in 2025.
One man who covered every inch of developments was Jamie Jackson. This is a gentleman I am lucky enough to call a friend, and we spoke following Saturday’s historic display.
“As a football journalist covering United and the start of FC United 20 years ago – I was at their very first game – you have to say fair play to both sets of supporters today,” Jamie stated.
“You don’t have to be a United fan to appreciate what has happened to the club. You might find it funny if you’re a certain type of fan, but it could happen to any club and has happened to other clubs.
“I was impressed by what they said. Chris Haymes stated: ‘If there was just one of us, or 15 or 15,000 – you won’t stop up – because we love the club so much we will always continue. He wasn’t saying that being big and tough, just like that’s where we’re at with it.
“I think it’s smart. I think it’s great that FC United is open to joining forces because those who founded the club got a lot of flak from subsections of United fans and still do. But, talking to them, the sense is – forget about the past, it’s all about the future!”
Saturday’s movement, fittingly labelled United United Day, was the first joining of forces between the parties and came to fruition following an ambitious attempt from The 1958 over a month ago.
There was a unified feeling of hope within the collective, and these individuals will continue to strive towards salvaging fan culture, their football club and the working-class roots of Manchester United and FC United.
Ahead of their latest efforts at next Sunday’s derby with Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can only applaud the time they continue to provide to the cause and the dedication from each member.
What are your thoughts following Saturday’s protests against the Glazer family and the preservation of fan culture? Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
Recent Posts
- Michael Carrick has exceeded expectations at Manchester United
- Harry Maguire sees red as United earn a point at Bournemouth
- Bournemouth to provide the next test for in-form Manchester United
