Last year saw Manchester United fans break new ground with their #GlazersOut protests as the fanbase successfully invaded the Old Trafford pitch in large numbers which resulted in the postponement of the club’s game against Liverpool.
The lack of vision, failure to back managers in the transfer window and a general disinterest in the club’s sporting avenues over the years have led to these full-blown protests against the Glazer family that owns the Red Devils.
Following United’s abysmal start to a season which was initially promised to be a new chapter in the club’s history, the American family are now under immense pressure on a level unseen until now. Furthermore, the failure of the new Director of Football John Murtough in delivering the names on Erik ten Hag’s wish list to enable a squad overhaul only emphasized the drastic need for a change up top.
Surely enough, the last week has seen numerous reports that various consortiums are currently in talks for a hostile takeover of one of the biggest clubs in England. Perhaps the most impressive one so far has been the news of English billionaire and United supporter Sir Jim Ratcliffe being a potential buyer.
While sources close to the Glazer family have revealed that the Americans do not yet plan to cede complete control of the club, it appears they would be willing to sell a minority stake in United to interested parties. As per reports, talks are being held by the Glazers to sell a minority stake to US private equity firm Apollo Global Management.
Although this might be a first indication from the Glazers to being open for a change, the news has not been received well by United fans as they want the owner to transition to individuals like Ratcliffe who would pay attention to the sporting front and not another profit-mongering American company.
In response to the news about the sale of the minority stake, it appears Man United supporters have hijacked the comments section on Apollo’s official Twitter page which is now full of anti-Glazer comments.
Almost every single post from the company in the last few days whether it be an advert for sustainable energy use or one to welcome a new partner to the firm, all have been flooded with #GlazersOut comments.
Alongside some of the replies, supporters have also uploaded posters designed with Newton Heath colours which have been used in the past on many counts to protest against the Glazers. Green and yellow were the first colours sported by the club and signify a need to return to their rich roots.
The sheer volume of these protests has also forced Apollo to turn off reply permission for their tweets in an attempt to stop more angry United fans from giving a piece of their mind on the company account.
Moreover, these anti-Glazer comments look to be just the tip of the iceberg. As United host Liverpool at Old Trafford on Monday, it looks like supporters of the club are planning to once again protest against the ownership as they did last season with plans to empty out the stadium.
Given the positive developments that have taken place to indicate a much-needed change in ownership perhaps the decade-long woes of the club might finally be coming to end much to the prayers of countless United fans.
