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Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will reportedly miss the club’s final Premier League game against Aston Villa on Sunday.
This comes as United fans are expected to hold protests against the owners after another miserable season.
Two weeks ago, fan group The 1958 announced plans for a demonstration against the Glazers, who assumed control of the club in a controversial leveraged buyout in 2005.
The Glazers are greatly despised within the fanbase and they’re widely seen as the primary reason behind the club’s dramatic decline since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
United remain burdened by the massive debt incurred under the Glazers’ ownership, with the club still paying out tens of millions each year to service it.
This frustration directed at the Glazers has begun to spill over to Ratcliffe, who became a minority owner last year. The INEOS billionaire has found himself under increasing scrutiny as fans grow impatient for meaningful change.
He has overseen a number of unpopular cost-cutting measures including making hundreds of staff redundant and hiking ticket prices.
Ahead of Sunday’s planned protest, Mike Keegan of the Daily Mail reports that United are set to ramp up security at their grounds. Additional precautions have reportedly been put in place to ensure the situation remains under control.
United have been working closely with Greater Manchester Police, who are prepared to step in and respond if they’re needed.
Keegan adds that Ratcliffe is “unlikely” to attend the match.
The 1958 plan to march down Sir Matt Busby Way before converging in the forecourt of the stadium to protest and air their grievances.
United vs. Villa kicks off at 16:00 BST.
Featured image by Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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