Why Man Utd fans will be protesting ahead of the derby against Man City on Sunday

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FT Desk

A prominent Manchester United fan group is planning a protest ahead of the derby fixture against Manchester City on Sunday.

In an attempted crackdown on ticket touting, the club has placed restrictions on a number of accounts that they believe have been used to resell tickets outside official channels.

Some fans have had their season tickets frozen, while others have been warned that further transgressions will lead to them becoming ineligible for away tickets. While some of these incidents will be fans sharing tickets with friends or loved ones, Man Utd do believe a significant number have been resold.

This ladies and gentleman is how football clubs are treating their fans.
I hate greed. This is gluttony. 😡😡😡😡😡 pic.twitter.com/i4lAYfAxfu

— Stuart Hamnett (@StreetwisestuV2) September 7, 2026

In one case, one device was used to access 1,088 separate ticket accounts.

United have received criticism due to their correspondence over the issue as one message threatened fans that their season ticket would be frozen if they did not purchase a ticket for Thursday's Champions League fixture against Sabah at Old Trafford.

Due to the breakdown in the relationship between Man Utd and the fans over the issue, The 1958 Group are planning a protest on Sunday.

"Manchester United supporter groups are being called upon to all stand together following reports of bans and season ticket sanctions without clear and compelling evidence always being presented," a statement from the group read.

"For generations, match-going Reds have given their time, money and loyalty to Manchester United, home and

away. That loyalty deserves to be treated with respect.

"This is not about one group or one individual. It is about how Manchester United treats its match-going supporters. It may not affect you today, it may not next time but that day is coming for all of us.

"If there is clear, substantive evidence of serious wrongdoing or organised ticket touting, show it. No loyal supporter should be treated as guilty without being given a fair opportunity to understand and challenge the case against them."

The club received criticism in 2024 when it emerged that they were reportedly looking to slash a £40,000-a-year payment to the club's disabled supporters association due to cost-cutting, though it's unclear if that plan actually materialised.