Protests At Manchester United Training Ground Ahead Of Further Protests Against Norwich City

A small group of Manchester United fans protested against the club's ownership on Friday afternoon, ahead of further expected protests.

United fans have never been comfortable with the Glazers owning the club, since Malcolm Glazer took their stake up to 57% in May 2005.

Last year the fans were made more unhappy by the club's involvement with the European Super League and protested outside of Old Trafford, ahead of a game with rivals Liverpool.

Some fans managed to break into the stadium and the disruption at the ground, and outside both teams' hotels led to the match being postponed.

This week there had been talk of more protests outside the stadium, this time ahead of a league game with Norwich, and some fans have started early.

Around two dozen fans are said to have arrived outside the club's training ground with anti Glazer banners, before police were called to make sure nothing untoward happened.

As well as the police being called, there was extra security measures in place when journalists arrived on Friday afternoon to speak to Ralf Rangnick.

The interim manager, who looks set to be replaced by Erik ten Hag, was holding his pre match press conference ahead of the Norwich game.

The Manchester Evening News reported that journalists had to use the rear entrance, normally used only by first team players, and that there were extra security personnel.

A spokesperson for United said, "There was a small and peaceful protest outside the Carrington training ground today. We respect the opinions of fans and remain committed to strengthening our engagement with them."

Whilst the club have continued to invest on the playing side of things, their actual recruitment and having the right people in positions to make them stronger has been criticised.

Ed Woodward was often blamed for being a 'businessman' rather than someone who knew football, despite the fact he was in charge of football.

However it's not transfers or lack of success that has annoyed fans, especially as they were 2nd behind Manchester City and on the way to the Europa League final when they protested last year.

A lack of investment in the stadium, which has leaks in the roof, and the training ground, which has fallen behind new sites for City and Liverpool, and a general lack of communication or care for the fans has also added to the ill feeling.