Man Utd fans tell of 'club on its knees' after 1-1 with Arsenal at Old Trafford

“Old Trafford used to be a fortress" claimed one fan as Manchester United grabbed a draw against Arsenal

It captured the raw frustration of fans after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.

The sentiment reverberated through the stands and online, setting the tone for a day defined by passionate defiance both on and off the pitch, as supporters grappled with pride in the team’s effort and despair at their mid-table plight.

Before the match, thousands of United fans, draped in black, marched from The Tollgate pub to Old Trafford in a powerful protest organized by The 1958 group.

Targeting the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the demonstration featured a banner reading “RIP Fan Culture 1878-2025” and chants decrying the club’s debt and ticket price hikes.

Red smoke bombs painted the air, and one fan’s cardboard sign reading “Fumin’” summed up the mood. Steve Crompton, a spokesperson for The 1958, rallied the crowd: “This club is on its knees, and the fans won’t stand for it. We’re fighting for our future.”

Inside the stadium, the atmosphere shifted to hope when Bruno Fernandes curled a stunning free-kick into the top corner just before halftime, giving United a 1-0 lead. “Bruno’s the one keeping us going—that goal was pure class,” said Dave Harris, 42, from Salford, his voice hoarse from cheering.

The Stretford End erupted, chanting Fernandes’ name, a brief respite from the season’s gloom. The second half tested that optimism. Noussair Mazraoui’s missed chance to make it 2-0 drew groans, and Declan Rice’s fine strike 16 minutes from time leveled the score, quieting the crowd momentarily.

Yet, fans rallied, urging the team on as David Raya’s late save denied Mazraoui a winner. “We could’ve nicked it, but at least we showed some fight,” posted @UnitedPeoplesTV on X, reflecting a bittersweet pride shared by many.

Post-match, reactions varied. “A draw against this Arsenal lot isn’t the worst—Bruno and Mazraoui were immense,” offered Jenny Carter, 29, from Manchester, clutching her scarf outside the ground.

The club’s official X account acknowledged the support: “A vocal Old Trafford is a powerful thing. We regret not rewarding your support with three points but we heard you all the way.”

For United fans, Sunday was about more than a point—it was a declaration of resilience amid a season of struggle in 15th place. As one banner proclaimed, “We want our club back,” the fight continues.