Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has called on the club's owners to sell up, having seen the impact of investment at Real Madrid.
Manchester United's upturn in form hasn't changed some fans' feelings about owners the Glazer family, with a new protest planned ahead of the next home game. Supporters voiced their concerns before the victory over Liverpool, and more of the same is anticipated as United host Arsenal on Sunday.
United have been active in the transfer market this summer, with Antony's impending arrival set to bring the spending up to more than £200m. However, this has no bearing on the issues identified with the ownership, and the state of Old Trafford has now been brought into focus by Madrid's actions.
On Monday, Real Madrid shared an aerial view of Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. The stadium was recently renovated, with the Spanish giants playing the entirety of the 2020-21 season away from their home.
It marks a stark contrast from United's ground, Old Trafford, which has not received the same kind of attention. "To Joel and Avram [Glazer]. Stop delaying the inevitable and sell now," Neville wrote while sharing Madrid's video.
Neville remained hopeful that the owners would take the opportunity to sell. There has been fresh interest in the club this summer, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe expressing an interest after previously distancing himself from a takeover.
Neville's comments come in a week where fan group The 1958 has announced plans for "a different kind of protest" ahead of the Arsenal game. "Time to show the Glazers that the club belongs to the fans!" a tweet announcing details reads.
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"The protests are working!" the group insists. "The Glazers don't want the world (and sponsors) to see the fans [sic] real sentiment. Their time is up!
"WE have a right to protest. WE have a right to make our feelings known. WE have a right to show the world we want ownership change," the statement continues.
Fans have been given instructions and a meeting point ahead of the protest, and encouraged to share photos of home-made fans and banners. There was a call to "keep it legal, and keep it peaceful" before the previous protest ahead of the Liverpool game.
"We have been outcast, wronged and oppressed by these owners for too long," a tweet from the 1958 on Sunday read. "Rise up and take back what is rightfully ours win, lose or draw. This is bigger than you, us, any player, manager, the team or results. It's the future of our club and the next generation. Stop the rot!"
