Sports · Football · 3 hrs ago
Manchester United rally to beat Roma after fans protest against ownership
Manchester United fans protested against the club’s owners by throwing tennis balls onto the pitch at Old Trafford during Tuesday’s Champions League match against Roma.
The protest was aimed at the Glazer family, who have owned the club since 2005, and minority owner Jim Ratcliffe, who has also faced criticism.
The demonstration briefly delayed the match, but players quickly cleared the balls.
United fell 2-0 behind early, then came back to beat Roma.
Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo returned to the starting lineup, and academy player Shea Lacey helped set up a late goal.
Their contributions lifted supporters’ spirits, but the win does not resolve deeper problems at the club, including concerns about its ownership and management.
The team’s next challenge is to show it can produce strong performances consistently; Michael Carrick’s position remains under scrutiny.
Manchester United rallied from 2-0 down to beat Roma in a Champions League match at Old Trafford.
Fans threw tennis balls onto the pitch in protest against the club’s ownership.
The protest was timed for the 21st minute to mark 21 years of the Glazer family’s ownership.
The demonstration caused a brief delay, and players quickly removed the balls.
The Glazers and minority owner Jim Ratcliffe have faced criticism from supporters amid the club’s on-field problems.
- Who
- Manchester United and Roma. United fans also staged a protest.
- What
- United came back from 2-0 down to beat Roma, while supporters threw tennis balls onto the pitch in protest against the club’s ownership.
- When
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The protest was timed for the 21st minute.
- Where
- Old Trafford, Manchester.
- Why
- The protest marked 21 years of the Glazers’ ownership. Supporters have also criticized the Glazers and Jim Ratcliffe.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Matías Soulé scored to put Roma ahead.
Donyell Malen made it 2-0 to Roma with a penalty.
United fans threw tennis balls onto the pitch in a protest marking 21 years of Glazer ownership.
The tennis balls were quickly removed, and the match was briefly delayed.
Manchester United rallied to beat Roma.
- Venue
- Old Trafford
- Protest timing
- 21st minute
- Ownership anniversary
- 21 years of the Glazers’ ownership
- Roma’s first goal
- Matías Soulé, 11th minute
- Roma’s second goal
- Donyell Malen, 18th minute
- Minority owner
- Jim Ratcliffe