Manchester United have enjoyed a relatively successful summer so far after the impressive signings of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
They also seem to be closing in on a deal for Red Bull Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
Fan discontent
Nonetheless, a significant portion of United fans still remain unhappy with the direction of the club.
Critics of the ownership have pointed out increased ticket prices and significant staff cuts as ways in which normal people are suffering at the hands of the Glazers and Ineos.
There has also been the deeply unpopular treatment of the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson who had his ambassador role ended.
The 1958 protests
One of the most active opponents of the current regime has been the 1958 group who have already staged numerous protests last year.
In February they held protests against the increased ticket prices and joined forces with FC United of Manchester in March to speak out against the current owners.
They also took part in another anti-Glazer protest before the final game of last season against Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
New protest
The group released a statement yesterday on social media entitled, “Jim Can’t Fix This”.
The statement reads, “Influential fan group, The 1958, has announced a big new protest ahead of Manchester United’s opening game of the season – for the first time directed at part owner Jim Ratcliffe, as well as the hated Glazers.”
They also add that “supporters are being rallied ahead of the Arsenal clash at Old Trafford on August 17th, with a new route planned and new banners produced including ‘Jim Can’t Fix This’. Ratcliffe has been branded ‘a devil in disguise’.”
They argue that Ineos have just been a continuation of business as usual under the Glazers and they have urged fans not to be distracted by “a couple of shiny new signings.”
The protest group specifically target Sir Jim Ratcliffe by claiming, “so, on 17th August, we protest not just against the Glazers, but now also against Jim Ratcliffe – a man once seen by many, including ourselves, as a possible saviour, a beacon of hope but now revealed as complicit in the ongoing erosion of everything that makes our club what it is. This is no longer just about ownership; this is about survival – the survival of our identity, our community, and our values.”
They also took aim at the new stadium proposals and claimed that the British billionaire wants to turn United into the “Disneyland of the North.”
🗣️TODAYS PRESS STATEMENT IN FULL.
‘Jim Can’t Fix This’: United Fan Group To Target Ratcliffe
In New Wave of Glazer ProtestsInfluential fan group, The 1958, has announced a big new protest ahead of Manchester United’s opening game of the season – for the first time directed at…
— The 1958 (@The__1958) August 5, 2025
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
