Manchester United fire five after assault

Manchester United are facing increased scrutiny over their relationship with supporters ahead of the latest Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

Ticketing has become a contentious issue, with price rises and the club’s attempts to clamp down on touting both attracting criticism from sections of the fanbase.

Minutes from United’s latest fans’ forum revealed fears that long-standing season-ticket holders are being pushed aside in favour of hospitality customers, something chief executive Omar Berrada has denied.

Those tensions have been seen boil up in protests like the demonstration after the goalless derby between Manchester United and Manchester City in April 2025.

Now, five stewards charged with assaulting a Manchester United supporter during that protest have been axed by the security company contracted to work at Old Trafford, according to the Daily Mail.

The five men are accused of attacking a 49-year-old fan in the East Stand while supporters conducted a peaceful protest against ticket-price increases after the match.

They are scheduled to appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court in January, with the allegations yet to be tested in court.

Despite working at Old Trafford, none of the five individuals were directly employed by United.

Instead, they are understood to have been supplied by HR Security and Protection Services to Controlled Solutions Group, the external company contracted by the club to provide matchday security.

However, CSG has now confirmed that the men will not be permitted to return to Old Trafford or work on any of the company’s other operations.

A spokesperson told the Daily Mail: “The five staff that were supplied to CSG by HR Security and Protection Services are no longer allowed to work on any CSG operations.”

The distinction means United have not technically dismissed five members of their own workforce, but action has been taken by the security contractor operating on the club’s behalf.

During the fans’ forum, supporter representatives reportedly criticised United’s communications concerning investigations into alleged ticket touting as “aggressive in tone, vague and anxiety provoking”.

Berrada insisted that there was no hidden attempt to reduce season-ticket numbers or generate additional income from hospitality customers.

However, he acknowledged that the club should have communicated its intentions more clearly and said that United must learn from the reaction.

With Manchester City returning to Old Trafford on Sunday, the club and its security partners will be under renewed scrutiny over how another supporter protest is handled.