Despite trailing 2-0 early on, United secured a thrilling 3-2 victory thanks to Bruno Fernandes and a late double from Matheus Cunha, easing pressure amid ongoing on-pitch struggles and rising ticket prices.
Manchester: Manchester United fans attempted to disrupt their Champions League fixture against Roma on Tuesday by launching tennis balls onto the pitch at Old Trafford.
By the end of the evening, the home supporters were celebrating a dramatic second-half turnaround after a double from Matheus Cunha and a strike from Bruno Fernandes secured a 3-2 victory.
United trailed 2-0 after 17 minutes, though the demonstration had been planned in advance and flagged on social media earlier in the day as disgruntled supporters sought to voice their frustration with the club's leadership.
The action caused only a brief stoppage, with a limited number of balls thrown onto the playing surface from the Stretford End, which were quickly cleared by players.
The demonstration fell far short of the disruption caused by a similar protest staged by Celtic supporters last year in an attempt to force structural changes at their club.
United fans have long sought to force regime change at the club through repeated protests directed against the American Glazer family.
Minority owner and British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe has also drawn criticism amidst the club's ongoing on-pitch struggles and rising ticket prices.
Ratcliffe, the owner of petrochemical giant INEOS, took charge of football operations after acquiring an initial 25 per cent stake for $1.3 billion in 2024. Since taking over, the 20-time English champions have dismissed two managers, while Michael Carrick's position remains under intense scrutiny following a difficult start to the campaign.
The Glazers have remained unpopular among the fan base since their leveraged takeover of the club in 2005.
The protest was staged in the 21st minute to represent 21 years of Glazer ownership.
United entered Tuesday's match on a nine-game winless run and fell behind early when Matias Soule scored for Roma in the 11th minute. Seven minutes later, Donyell Malen doubled the visitors' lead from the penalty spot.
However, a dramatic second half triggered scenes of jubilation as Fernandes converted a retaken penalty before Cunha scored twice within three minutes late in the match.
Cunha was subsequently sent off.
By the final whistle, a festive atmosphere swept through the stadium, though anti-Glazer chants continued after the players departed the pitch.
AP
Published: 04 Nov 2026, 10:04 am IST
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