Green and yellow balloons flown by Manchester United fans at Old Trafford during Premier League clash with Aston Villa
Manchester United supporters displayed green and yellow balloons across Old Trafford during their Premier League 2026-27 match against Aston Villa on Sunday, November 8. The colours were used as a protest against the club’s current ownership and management.
The green and yellow choice referenced Manchester United’s original club colours from their founding as Newton Heath in 1878. Fans organised the action as part of a long-running campaign opposing the Glazer family and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and naming other senior figures including director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada. Supporter groups took part in the instruction, with The 1958 telling fans to bring gold and yellow “balloons, scarves and shirts” to Old Trafford.
The balloons were particularly visible at the Stretford End and were released as the United players emerged from the tunnel ahead of kick-off. Supporters also unveiled banners criticising proposed club plans for a new stadium, with messages reading, “We don’t want a new stadium, we want new owners,” and “We don’t want a new stadium, we want a new board.”
Club sources and fan accounts described the balloon action as the latest instalment in protests that have taken place at multiple fixtures. Tonight’s demonstration followed an earlier display during the UEFA Champions League match against AS Roma, when fans again used green and gold balloons and some supporters briefly halted play by throwing tennis balls onto the pitch.
Fans said the motive for the protests included opposition to proposed spending on a new stadium instead of investment in the playing squad; the club’s recent form under head coach Michael Carrick was cited in supporters’ messaging. Manchester United’s draw with Aston Villa on Sunday left the team in 18th place in the Premier League and in danger of relegation.
The balloon protest and accompanying banners formed part of ongoing supporter action aimed at the club’s hierarchy while United remain in 18th place after the draw with Aston Villa.
