Regardless of your opinion on the Glazers and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, one thing is undeniable – the owners of Manchester United do not merit the loyalty of Manchester United’s supporters.
They do not deserve the support of over 70,000 fans who consistently fill Old Trafford for every game. They do not deserve the millions of followers worldwide that have helped make United one of the largest clubs globally.
While these fans are not alone in their dedication to their club, they highlight the remarkable loyalty that football club supporters can exhibit. Notably, they feel it is essential to express their profound discontent with the ownership while simultaneously offering encouragement to a team that desperately needs it.
And to call it deep dissatisfaction is an understatement. One of the opening chants on this tortuous FA Cup afternoon went like this: “Just like the Glazers, Jim Ratcliffe’s a ….”
You can complete the sentence. Credit to Monaco Jim for managing to be mentioned in the same breath as the Glazers after just a year of involvement—quite an achievement.
Through banners and chants, fans expressed their discontent with Ratcliffe’s price hikes, even for children’s tickets. “£66, you’ve got to be kidding!”
And they are entirely correct. No one should have to pay £66 for a match of this quality.
Supporters are being charged premium prices to watch a mediocre group of players struggle against whichever team shows up at this rundown venue.
While many tourists may be eager to check this off their list, numerous loyal fans are forced to stretch their budgets during challenging times, knowing that a significant portion of their funds contributes to the substantial dividends for the Glazers. Yet, they continue to support a lackluster team with unwavering dedication.
Before Bruno Fernandes equalized Calvin Bassey’s first-half header, it would have been easy for the home crowd to grow impatient. However, as shown by their warm reception for young striker Chido Obi, they remained behind their team.
Many fans even lingered to chant Joshua Zirkzee’s name after he became the second Manchester United player to have his penalty saved during the shoot-out. As has happened multiple times this season, Zirkzee seemed on the verge of tears… but the real tragedy lies in what the owners are putting the supporters through.