Man Utd fans to stage protest at FC United match

Manchester United supporters' protest group The 1958 will join forces with breakaway club FC United on Saturday in an effort to repair a "fractured" fanbase.

The 1958 group has been at the forefront of growing protests against the majority Glazer ownership of Manchester United, most recently before the Premier League game against Arsenal at Old Trafford earlier this month.

FC United was born out of a protest against the Glazer ownership when the American family bought United in 2005 and is led by fans who refused to go back to Old Trafford until they were gone. It currently plays in the Northern Premier League.

Organisers from both groups are calling on fans to get to FC United's home game with Stockton on Saturday two hours before kick-off, with a planned "show of solidarity", with flags and banners, taking place inside Broadhurst Park at 14:30 GMT.

"The 1958 reached out to us and our discussions have affirmed that our goals are aligned," said FC United in a statement. "Manchester United has no future whilst the Glazers retain control of the club.

"The interests of supporters must be the key priority at Manchester United, as they must be at every football club.

"In an age where it is all too easy for supporters to believe that they are powerless and simply keep their heads down, The 1958 have continued to stand up and demonstrate their opposition to the Glazer occupation at Old Trafford. We are proud to stand with them and say: enough is enough."

In a recent interview with the Sunday Times, United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said he would "walk away" from the club if he received as much abuse as the Glazer family has been subjected to.