Keane urges United owners to ‘take note’ as game is postponed

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane claimed yesterday’s protests against the Glazer family were “just the start of it from United fans” as he urged the club’s owners to “sit up and take note”.

The clash with Liverpool had to be postponed on safety grounds after fans broke into Old Trafford and invaded the pitch, with the Premier League condemning “the actions of a minority”.

Long-standing anger with the Glazers has increased in intensity since it emerged United were one of the driving forces behind the breakaway European Super League, which collapsed within 48 hours due to huge pressure.

“The United fans have had enough and they’re doing it because they love the club,” Keane said on Sky Sports.

“It’s not just as a result of what’s happened the last two weeks with the Super League... it’s been building for a number of years. They’ve come to the end and feel enough is enough. It’s a huge statement for the game to be called off.

“There’s been a build-up in tension, whether it be about ticketing, poor communication, things going on in the background. The leadership of the club has not been good enough.

When they look at the owners, they feel it’s just about making money. The United fans have looked at the Glazers and thought enough is enough.

“They’re doing it because they love the club. Some people won’t agree with it, but sometimes you have to put a marker down for people to take notice.

“This will go out all over the world and hopefully the owners of Manchester United will sit up and take note. These fans are deadly serious and this is just the start of it from United fans, I can guarantee you.”

Gary Neville said the Glazers should do “the honourable thing” and sell up.

“This is a consequence of the Manchester United owners’ actions two weeks ago,” the former United defender said. “There is a general distrust and dislike of the owners, but they weren’t protesting two or three weeks ago.

“The Glazer family are struggling to meet the financial requirements at this club and the fans are saying their time is up.”

Around 100 supporters broke into the stadium and invaded the pitch, forcing some staff to lock themselves in rooms.

Outside the ground, bottles and barriers were thrown with two police officers injured.

Gareth Bale netted a Premier League hat-trick as Spurs beat Sheffield United 4-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last night. Arsenal won 2-0 at Newcastle earlier in the day.