Manchester United fans plan Old Trafford protest before Manchester derby

Manchester United supporters are set to stage a fresh protest outside Old Trafford before Sunday’s Manchester derby, with opposition group The 1958 calling for action against the club’s management over a ticketing crackdown that has affected a number of fans.

The peaceful demonstration is scheduled to begin at 15:00 local time near the stadium, 90 minutes before the derby kicks off at 16:30. The 1958 has urged supporters travelling to the ground to join the protest and present a united message against what it says is the unfair treatment of loyal members of the club’s fanbase.

The call follows widespread anger among season-ticket holders after some supporters were incorrectly punished and banned as part of Manchester United’s campaign against ticket touting.

In a statement, The 1958 said: “Fans who have given their time, money and loyalty to the club across generations deserve to be treated with respect.”

The group said the issue surrounding ticket bans affected every supporter and called for the sanctions to be withdrawn, while also demanding that evidence behind the decisions be made public. Its stated aim is to provide a united platform for justice and to oppose the treatment of loyal fans as though they were guilty of offences they had not committed.

Manchester United has described its campaign against ticket resale as “successful”. The club has also apologised for any unintended inconvenience caused to some supporters during the process.

However, several fan groups have expressed strong dissatisfaction, citing what they consider to be a lack of transparency. They have also criticised the absence of a genuine opportunity for supporters to defend themselves before bans preventing them from attending matches were imposed.

The protest will take place ahead of a significant fixture for Michael Carrick’s side, who face Manchester City in the derby. United are currently 11th in the Premier League after an inconsistent start to their domestic campaign.

Their recent results include a defeat by Hull City, a victory over Ipswich Town and a draw with Everton. The sequence has left them facing a difficult test against their neighbours, who enter the match with a perfect points record.

United are also preparing for their first home match in the Champions League for almost two years. Carrick’s team will host Azerbaijani side Sabah on Thursday as the Red Devils return to European football’s premier club competition.

Their most recent Champions League involvement ended with a bitter group-stage exit in the 2023-24 season. The meeting with Sabah will therefore mark their return to home action in the competition after a lengthy absence, although attention at Old Trafford will first focus on the derby and the planned demonstration by supporters.