Manchester United fans announce first protest of 2026/27 season

Manchester United supporters were left with mixed feelings about the club’s business during the summer transfer window.

Michael Carrick was handed a completely revamped midfield, with Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba all arriving at Old Trafford.

However, United failed to address another position many supporters believed desperately needed strengthening: left-back.

United explored options in the position during the summer, but no deal materialised, leaving Luke Shaw as the club’s main recognised senior option on that side.

It means much of United’s defensive unit remains familiar from previous seasons, despite problems at the back being evident throughout recent campaigns.

Those concerns have already carried into 2026/27.

United were stunned 2-0 by newly-promoted Hull City on the opening weekend before responding with a convincing 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford.

Carrick’s men were unable to build on that result at Everton, drawing 2-2 and leaving United with just one victory from their opening three Premier League fixtures.

United have already conceded six league goals in the process, increasing scrutiny on a defence that was not significantly reinforced during the summer.

However, performances and transfer business are not the only matters creating discussion among supporters ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby.

Manchester United fans announce first protest of the season

According to the Manchester Evening News, supporter group The 1958 have announced a protest before Manchester United face Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The protest concerns the club’s controversial operation against ticket touting and its treatment of season-ticket holders, with some innocent supporters caught in the crossfire during the summer.

United previously described the operation as successful, although the club acknowledged that innocent supporters may have been affected and apologised for the inconvenience caused.

The 1958 have now called on supporters to gather peacefully outside The Bishop Blaize pub near Old Trafford from 3pm on Sunday.

The group believe supporters should not face bans or season-ticket sanctions without being clearly told what they are accused of and shown the evidence against them.

It comes months after Manchester United fans protested against Sir Jim Ratcliffe during the 2025/26 campaign.

Sunday’s demonstration will now represent the first announced Manchester United supporter protest of the 2026/27 season.