Man Utd fans descend on Old Trafford in protests and set off flares ahead of Liverpool clash

Liverpool are due to play Manchester United at Old Trafford on Thursday evening after the original Premier League fixture was postponed following angry protests by frustrated fans

Posted Friday, May 14, 2021 by Dailystar.co.uk

Manchester United fans have descended on Old Trafford in their hundreds to continue protesting against their owners ahead of the clash against Liverpool.

Supporters are letting off flares outside the ground, having blocked off the visitors' bus from its hotel - but both teams are at the historic venue for the game.

It is a continued response by the fanbase to their owners the Glazer in the fallout of the European Super League.

Having broken onto the Old Trafford pitch on May 2, it forced the game to be postponed for 11 days later.

Footage has now been captured of them chanting "We want Glazers out" while holding up banners and letting off the pyrotechnics in green and yellow, representing the colours of founding club Newton Heath.

Man United fans have descended on Old Trafford and let flares off in protest against the Glazers

Both teams are safely at the 80,000-seater stadium, with Liverpool arriving 75 minutes before kick off.

But images emerged of the visitors' bus getting blocked on the road by two cars on a side street near their hotel.

Jurgen Klopp's side were on their way to Old Trafford ahead of the rescheduled Premier League match, postponed after a group of fans broke onto the pitch on May 2.

According to The Athletic, Liverpool's bus has also had its tyres let down by the disgruntled Red Devils supporters.

But footage has now emerged of the bus, which was not believed to be carrying the Liverpool team, on the move with Police assistance.

Greater Manchester Police officers could be seen walking in front of the Liverpool bus to disperse the demonstrators, who let the vehicle pass through.

Protestors’ cars blocking a Liverpool bus here. More arriving. Whether it is the one the players are using to travel to Old Trafford is unclear. pic.twitter.com/8EuQjMum1B
— Mark Critchley (@mjcritchley) May 13, 2021

But the protests have now intensified outside Old Trafford, with a group of supporters building to set off flares.

The United fans made their way onto the pitch on May 2, protesting against the club owners following the European Super League fallout.

Making their way over to the Sky Sports broadcasting platform to get the message across, one supporter tried to throw a flare in their direction.

Lots of smoke bombs and a definitive ‘move’ towards the stadium, a show of intent. But still quiet and controlled compared to 11 days ago pic.twitter.com/CFl3hfi5qW
— Matt Critchley (@MattCritchley1) May 13, 2021

While the group on the pitch did make their way out of the ground again in an ‘orderly fashion’, some did take ‘balls, corner flags and camera equipment’.

Despite the Glazers promising to communicate with fans more, United supporters have protested once again.

A supporters group called on fans to gather outside the stadium in thousands to make their feelings heard again.

The protests on May 2 saw United get trapped in the Lowry Hotel, watching on from the windows at their disgruntled fans.

But images have since emerged of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side getting to Old Trafford six hours before the 8:15pm kick-off.

It comes following the Red Devils' part in the failed European Super League, which would have seen them and the Premier League 'Big Six' join six other teams in a breakaway division.

But a furious response from fans across the country brought it tumbling down, with Joel Glazer issuing an apology.

Following the May 2 protests, a Q&A was arranged where the American confirmed the owner's desire to keep their shares, leaving fans disgruntled.