Manchester United’s ownership faced another significant backlash as supporters gathered outside Old Trafford ahead of Sunday’s derby against Manchester City.
Tensions have grown following the club’s recent crackdown on suspected ticket touting, which resulted in thousands of supporters temporarily being locked out of their ticketing accounts.
United subsequently announced that 166 accounts had received season-ticket bans lasting at least one year, although the measures have angered sections of the fanbase.
Supporters assembled at the Bishop Blaize pub before the derby, with chants directed against both Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family as the protest moved towards Old Trafford.
According to The Sun, Sir Jim Ratcliffe avoided his customary entrance and instead entered the stadium through a back door in the north-west quadrant of the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand.
The United co-owner ordinarily arrives through the Stretford End tunnel in the south-west corner of Old Trafford, as do many of the club’s VIP guests.
However, an eyewitness claimed Ratcliffe arrived approximately 50 minutes before kick-off in a chauffeur-driven vehicle which passed supporters outside the ground.
Security bollards were reportedly lowered to allow the vehicle onto the forecourt near the W2 car park before Ratcliffe entered through the alternative doorway.
He was met by United multi-programme manager Josh Thompson, who has regularly been present at home matches since February 2024.
Thompson’s father, David, previously served as chief executive of Ratcliffe’s petrochemicals company Ineos.
The decision to use a different entrance appeared particularly notable because previous supporter demonstrations have progressed into the Munich Tunnel, situated beneath the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand and close to the directors’ box.
When United and City emerged for the derby, protesters unfurled a banner above the tunnel which read: “The way you treat us is a disgrace.”
Avram Glazer was also reportedly present at Old Trafford, marking his first appearance at the stadium since United’s opening fixture against Arsenal in August 2025.
His brother Joel has not attended a United home match since the Champions League quarter-final defeat to Barcelona in April 2019.
Ratcliffe has overseen United’s football operations since Ineos completed its minority investment in the club, but unpopular cost-cutting decisions and the treatment of supporters have damaged his standing among sections of the fanbase.
United declined to explain the change to Ratcliffe’s usual arrival arrangements.
A club spokesperson told The Sun: “We never comment on anything related to ownership movement.”