Man Utd get big turnout for Glazers protests with flares and banners

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Manchester United fans have taken to the streets ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa at Old Trafford to protest against the Glazers. The Americans could end up staying at the club despite being open to a potential takeover. And supporters have made their feelings known prior to Sunday’s contest against Unai Emery’s side.

The Athletic have shared video images showing United fans walking through Manchester in volume.

They can be heard chanting for the Glazers to go, amid uncertainty over a takeover, with supporters also sporting banners and carrying flares.

The protest was organised by fan group The 1958, with the march starting at a pub called the Nags Head.

It is roughly a 10 minute walk to Old Trafford from there and many are expected to join the protests as they edge towards the famous stadium.

The Glazers confirmed back in November they were open to a potential sale of United, having been in charge ever since 2005.

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Fast-forward to now, however, and it’s unclear if that will happen.

Sheikh Jassim is looking to buy 100 per cent of United, meaning the Glazers would pack their bags and leave for good if the Qatari billionaire is successful in his bid.

However, there have been claims over the past 24 hours that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is in pole position to purchase United.

Ratcliffe and his firm Ineos have apparently made a higher bid than Qatar, despite Sheikh Jassim being left ‘bemused’ by those suggestions.

And the Brit is willing to let the Glazers keep a 20 per cent stake in a club, in a controversial move that has sparked a big backlash.

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There’s still even a possibility the family will stay in control of United, too, and rebuff approaches from both Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim.

The Glazers have signalled they’re open to minority investment that would help them pay for the redevelopment of Old Trafford.

The famous stadium has shown signs of wear and tear in recent years and the Red Devils know they need to modernise their arena.

Firms such as Elliott Management, Ares Management and The Carlyle Group are willing to have a minority stake in United.

And what the Glazers ultimately decide to do should come clearer in the coming days, with all interested parties submitting their offers on Friday evening.

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Meanwhile, former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has slammed the Glazers.

And he urged them to ‘go back to America’, insisting the Red Devils would be better off without the family at the helm.

“I do feel sorry for Man United, I feel their pain,” he told Football Insider.

“I do mock them sometimes about wanting the Glazers out, but when you hear about what’s going on behind the scenes – the fans must be pulling their hair out.

“It’s time for the Glazers to go back to America, let new owners come in and help them compete again.

“Man United aren’t far away. They’re three or four players away from competing for a league title.

“If the Glazers stay in, then you can’t see that kind of investment coming.

“I think they’re playing with fire and I can see a lot of backlash from the fans if they stay at the club.”

United have already faced off against Aston Villa twice this season.

They lost 3-1 at Villa Park in November, though avenged that defeat with a 4-2 victory over the same opponents in the Carabao Cup just days later.

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