Manchester United vs Roma 'set for disruption' amid planned fan protests

The Red Devils are looking to snap their nine-game winless run at Old Trafford this evening, but they may have to wait for kick-off with a planned supporters’ protest. One fan group - the Stretford Enders - has planned to hand out 4,000 green and gold balloons while the Champions League anthem plays around the stadium just before kick-off. It is thought to be a protest directed at the club’s ownership, the Glazer family and INEOS, with the former overseeing a sharp decline of footballing success in their 21 years of stewardship. The protests have not been promoted on social media, but reports leaked out in The i and The Athletic ahead of the game. Under pressure: Michael CarrickGettyThere was also thought to be plans for a banner to read “No new stadium, we want new owners”, but that will not be shown as UEFA did not sanction it in time for the match, according to The i’s report. It is believed that a similar protest is planned for this weekend’s Premier League encounter with Aston Villa. United sit 20th in the Champions League table after two defeats and a victory on their return to Europe’s top table. That came against minnows Sabah at Old Trafford, before heavy losses at Atletico Madrid and Como. Further defeats by Bournemouth and Chelsea have thrown manager Michael Carrick’s position into serious question, although the head coach has so far survived the sack, with it being reported that his position will be reassessed during the upcoming November international break.