Erik ten Hag responds to Manchester United supporter protests against the Glazers

Erik ten Hag has dismissed suggestions that supporter protests against the Glazers will disrupt Manchester United’s performances on the pitch.

Around 1,000 United supporters marched from Manchester city centre to Old Trafford in the build up to Sunday’s Premier League game against Aston Villa.

Some fans also stood outside Old Trafford for the first 18 minutes of the match against Villa, a minute for each year of the Glazer ownership.

Protests against the Glazers continued inside Old Trafford, while Bruno Fernandes’ first-half goal sealed a 1-0 win over Villa to tighten United’s grip on a top-four finish.

When asked after the victory if he felt the protest from the supporters could have a negative impact on United’s remaining fixtures, Ten Hag replied: ‘We really felt that the fans were behind us.

Around 1,000 Manchester United fans marched from Manchester city centre to Old Trafford (Action Images via Reuters)

‘So we have to focus to be successful because that is what the fans expect and they can expect, and they have to rely on us so we will focus on that.

‘I’m sure when we give performances like we do all season the fans are behind us.

‘There’s a lot of energy, there’s a really strong bond between the fans and the players.’

Manchester United fans want the Glazer family to completely sell their stake in the club (Action Images via Reuters)

Some fans waited for 18 minutes outside Old Trafford in protest of the Glazers (Reuters)

More: Trending

United fans have once again voiced their desire for the Glazers to completely relinquish their ownership of the club as takeover talks continue.

Sheikh Jassim is currently one of the frontrunners in the United takeover, although reports on Saturday evening claimed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s bid, which in excess of £5 billion, is viewed by the Glazers as a more attractive proposal.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

United fans made their voices heard once again at Old Trafford.