Man Utd fans stage mass protest against the Glazers' ownership before Aston Villa game

Thousands of Manchester United fans staged a protest against the Glazers' ownership ahead of their Premier League clash against Aston Villa, with an 18-minute boycott planned after kick-off.

The Glazer family, who took control of United in 2005 with more than £500 million debt, are said to be 'open' to a sale of the club, but the process has been lengthy.

They are reportedly seeking 'strategic alternatives', which could include a full or partial sale of their stake.

Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim, through his Nine Two Foundation, is interested, while a joint bid from British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe and petrochemicals company Ineos has also been submitted.

But it's fair to say a large percentage of the United fanbase are still unhappy with the current situation as The Times suggest Joel and Avram Glazer could remain stakeholders under a deal being proposed by Ratcliffe.

Back in August, ahead of their opening day defeat to Brighton, thousands of fans held a protest against the ownership while en route to Old Trafford.

And on Sunday afternoon, a mass protest organised by supporters group The 1958 was in full swing ahead of kick-off.

The 1958, who have asked for a 'peaceful and only visual protest', say they will also stage a 18-minute boycott at the start of Sunday's game to represent "one minute for each year the Glazers have driven our club into the ground".

The protest started at The Old Nags Head pub in Manchester city centre before eventually ending at Old Trafford.

The 1958 group released a statement earlier this week, saying: "This is symbolic. It’s a nod to all Reds, past, present, future and those sadly no longer with us. Those who have battled against this ownership from the start and those joining the fight now.

"Bring the heat, bring the noise, bring the passion. Let's get our club back together."

They added: "Stay outside for 18 minutes. Get your flags and banners into Old Trafford. Make a statement."