The 1958 Group, one of the most influential fan collectives among Manchester United supporters, has urged fans to wear black in protest during Sunday’s match against Arsenal at Old Trafford.

The demonstration responds to the club’s ongoing sporting and financial struggles. Recently, Manchester United announced the layoff of 200 employees, adding to the 250 who lost their jobs in 2024. These cuts are part of a financial restructuring led by Jim Ratcliffe and his company INEOS, following their purchase of a 27.7% stake in the club.

United has recorded five consecutive years of financial losses, mainly due to poor transfer decisions, costly severance packages for fired managers—such as the £10 million payout to Erik ten Hag—and repeated failures to qualify for the Champions League.

“The Club Is Dying,” Warns the 1958 Group

“The club is slowly dying before our eyes, both on and off the pitch, and the current owners are to blame,” said Steve Crompton, spokesperson for the 1958 Group.

“We are witnessing a financial armageddon. Debt is leading the club to ruin. Matt Busby would be turning in his grave seeing how one of the world’s most prestigious institutions has become a laughingstock,” he added.

Protest at Old Trafford: March and Black Attire

The 1958 Group has organized a protest march to Old Trafford ahead of the Arsenal match, urging fans to attend wearing black. This mirrors the 2005 FA Cup final protest, when supporters expressed their opposition to the Glazer family’s takeover, which saddled the club with a £580 million debt.

The protest comes at a critical time, following Manchester United’s FA Cup elimination at the hands of Fulham.