The European Super League fiasco makes this golden age retrospective seem naive in ignoring the club’s commercialisation

This is a perfectly watchable documentary, but events have overtaken it, exposing a crucial naivety. It is about the soap-operatic tragedy and triumph of legendary football club Manchester United, co-written, co-produced and presented by its saturnine bad-boy hero Eric Cantona, and in this version of history, he looms larger than Bobby Charlton or George Best.

Cantona smoulders his way outrageously through his script, though revealing little or nothing about himself, except for one remark about the notorious kung-fu incident against an abusive Crystal Palace fan: “I would ’ave liked to kick him even harder … ” His theme is Manchester United’s 20th-century golden age, from its comeback after the 1958 Munich disaster through to the fairytale ending of the 1999 Uefa Champions League final. And there it stops. The film goes on and on about Manchester United’s European ambition, European vision, European destiny – all those heroic ideals that now look shabby in the light of what we have just experienced: the club’s greedy participation in the European Super League fiasco. The announcement of which, let’s not forget, followed the club’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward meeting with Boris Johnson’s chief of staff Dan Rosenfield, and briefly with the prime minister himself.

• Manchester United manager calls for ‘civilised’ behaviour
• Liverpool match now rescheduled for 13 May

Ole Gunnar Solskjær has admitted Manchester United fans’ disgruntlement with the Glazers is a “difficult” situation for him and is concerned it could disrupt his team’s progress.

The manager said the behaviour of some fans at Sunday’s protests went too far and that supporters had to conduct themselves in a “civilised manner”.

Related: No away fans allowed at final Premier League games of the season

The documentary Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In explores the life of the legendary footballer and manager, delving into his decades-long career as well as his personal life. While recovering from a brain haemorrhage, Ferguson talks through his most treasured memories. From his upbringing in Govan, meeting his wife Cathy, his playing days at Rangers and the incredible success he had at both Aberdeen and Manchester United. In the trailer, the likes of Eric Cantona and Gordon Strachan provide insight about the greatest manager of all time. 

• FAI confirms the news of former player’s passing
• McLoughlin won 42 caps for Republic during career

Alan McLoughlin, the man whose goal took the Republic of Ireland to the 1994 World Cup finals in the US, has died at the age of 54.

The former Portsmouth midfielder revealed in March he was preparing to undergo a course of radiotherapy following surgery to remove a tumour from his vertebrae, nine years after being diagnosed with a kidney tumour. McLoughlin also said he was told in November 2019 that the cancer had spread to his remaining kidney, his chest wall and lung, and that he had been rushed to hospital this year with a fractured neck after his vertebrae had crumbled.

Related: The forgotten story of … 17 November 1993 | Rob Smyth

We would like to hear from fans about their protests against the Glazers and how they want the club to change

Manchester United fans have wanted the club’s owners, the Glazer family, to sell up for years. The club’s recent attempt to join the European Super League has given fans fresh momentum in their bid to drive the owners out of the club. Hundreds of supporters joined a protest against the Glazers on Sunday, forcing United’s match against Liverpool to be postponed.

Yet, despite the strength of opposition from the fans, the Glazers say they have no plans to sell the club. Instead, they want to grow the club into a $10bn business. If you are a Manchester United fan, how do you feel about the Glazers’ plans to stay? Will you keep protesting? Will you stop supporting the club? What action will you take?

Large debt, relative lack of trophies since 2013 and failure to engage with fans have made the owners deeply unpopular

No trophy since 2017 and no league title for eight years: the Glazers’ divisive ownership of Manchester United provoked Sunday’s protest at Old Trafford and the Americans are considered (by some) solely responsible for a flatlining of success on the pitch.

A debt that stands at £487m and the £1bn-plus in interest payments servicing this since the Glazers bought United in 2005 have a corollary, the charge goes, in a four-year silverware drought and only three trophies since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped away in 2013, none of which have been league title No 21.

Related: Glazers intend to stay and turn Manchester United into $10bn business

Related: Fans saw the Glazers’ money tricks 16 years ago but no one listened | David Conn

• Owners have no plans to sell in response to protests
• Club could ban fans who misbehaved on Sunday
  

The Glazers have no plans to sell Manchester United, with the owners long-term vision being to grow the club’s value from its current £3.05bn to $10bn (£7bn).

The future of United under the American family is the focus of renewed scrutiny after Sunday’s protest against their ownership which caused the match with Liverpool to be postponed after some individuals entered Old Trafford.

Related: Fans saw the Glazers’ money tricks 16 years ago but no one listened | David Conn

Related: ‘The beautiful game is gone’: Manchester reacts to fan protests

Outside the Lowry Hotel, people are unsure if demonstrations will work but united about their necessity

There’s a new bit of graffiti on the Trinity Bridge dividing Manchester and Salford: “Fuck United” reads the scrawl on one of the suspension pillars.

It faces the Lowry Hotel, where the Manchester United team were surrounded by angry fans on Sunday, before others broke into Old Trafford, causing the game against Liverpool to be postponed.

Premier League waved through a debt-loading takeover of Manchester United from which the family make fortunes

In 2005, a generation ago now, when supporters were first protesting against the pending takeover of Manchester United by the Glazer family, the approach of the football authorities was mostly to brush off their concerns. There seemed to be a sense among the blazers in the Football Association and the Premier League suits that the fans just did not really understand the mystique of a corporate takeover, or the excitements of having “investors” from America.

Related: Gary Neville and Roy Keane express support for United fans’ protests

• New rules to ‘ensure principles’ of league are protected
  
• FA and Pemier League open inquiry into Super League
  

The Premier League has laid out the first stage of its response to the failed plans for a European Super League, insisting the six breakaway clubs will be “held accountable” for their actions and promising a change in regulations to “ensure the principles of the Premier League and of open competition are respected”.

Working alongside the Football Association and other stakeholders in the game, new rules will be developed to “protect our game”, the league has said, including a new “owners’ charter”. It comes at the same time as the FA opens an official inquiry into the abortive ESL, with the governing body requesting the big six clubs hand over “information and evidence” regarding their participation in the scheme.

Related: Liverpool to open discussions with fans after European Super League backlash

Jamie from the United We Stand fanzine was one of the supporters who invaded the pitch. He describes the day

Brilliant. Sunday was the best outcome we could have got. It was the plan all along: to get the game delayed or abandoned – that was certainly the intention from a good number of us.

This is all to do with the Glazers. It has been a long time in the making, because we protested in 2005 [when they bought club], and again in 2010. I can understand people saying: “It’s just because you’re not winning things any more.” But that’s not the point – this is about a football club and a community that surrounds it.

Related: Gary Neville and Roy Keane express support for United fans’ protests

Related: Manchester United fans’ direct action is an expression of powerlessness | Jonathan Liew

Fans show their strength at Old Trafford, Torres comes to the party for Manchester City and Leicester nerves jangle again

Related: Manchester United fans’ direct action is an expression of powerlessness | Jonathan Liew

• Two police officers injured in ugly clashes
  
• Thousands of supporters gather outside Old Trafford
  

Manchester United’s game with Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday was postponed after a planned peaceful protest outside the stadium by fans angry with the club’s owners, the Glazers, spilled into chaotic and violent scenes as a group of about 100 broke into the ground, causing criminal damage and forcing some staff to lock themselves into rooms for safety.

The postponement of the Premier League match between the two most storied clubs in English football to an as yet undetermined date was confirmed almost five hours after supporters gathered at the stadium. It adds further uncertainty to United’s fixture list in a week when they are due to play the second leg of their Europa League semi-final with Roma, and is the most graphic illustration yet of the breakdown of trust between fans and owners.

Related: Gary Neville and Roy Keane support Manchester United fan protests

Related: Manchester United fans’ direct action is an expression of powerlessness | Jonathan Liew

Related: Protesting Manchester United fans invade Old Trafford – in pictures

Related: Timeline: Glazers and their turbulent reign at Manchester United

• ‘They’re deadly serious and this is just the start,’ says Keane
• Neville says action due to ‘distrust and dislike of the owners’

Gary Neville has urged the Glazer family to sell Manchester United after Sunday’s dramatic protests. His remarks came as Roy Keane, another former United captain, also backed the supporters and said “this was just the start” of their campaign to remove the owners.

Neville said he hoped the protests would unite football fans and continue in a “measured, calm and pointed” fashion, after events including disorder and violence forced the postponement of the game against Liverpool at Old Trafford. United’s attempt to join a super league has caused longstanding supporter anger against the Glazers to increase markedly in intensity.

Related: Manchester United v Liverpool postponed after fans invade Old Trafford in protest

Related: Manchester United fans’ direct action is an expression of powerlessness | Jonathan Liew

Amid the grievances that have brought fans into the streets in recent weeks there is a yearning to feel something again

A lone saxophonist was playing in the sunshine outside Old Trafford on Sunday evening. This was after the tumult, after the crowds had been pushed back, after the police had regained control of the concourse outside the megastore, before the inevitable 0-0 draw between Manchester United and Liverpool had finally been called off. And on another surreal and poignant day in English football, it was possible to hear in those breezy notes a lament for something that had been lost, something that even now might never be recovered.

Earlier in the day, by all accounts, the mood had been mutinous, bordering on euphoric. We knew on some level that the few dozen United fans who managed to infiltrate the Old Trafford pitch must have been motivated by some intense and bottled anger. But as they cavorted on the famous turf, grabbing souvenirs, hurling tripods, gurning at the deserted directors’ box, they didn’t look particularly angry. They, like those protesting outside, looked giddy with excitement.

Related: Gary Neville and Roy Keane support Manchester United fan protests

Related: Timeline: Glazers and their turbulent reign at Manchester United

Manchester United fans broke into Old Trafford and invaded the pitch, causing the game to be called off

• Full report: match called off after protests

9.28pm BST

Related: Gary Neville and Roy Keane support Manchester United fan protests

8.15pm BST

Jonathan Liew’s analysis:

Related: Act of desperation is ultimate expression of fan powerlessness

8.06pm BST

And here are our main pieces:

Related: Manchester United v Liverpool postponed after fans invade Old Trafford in protest

Related: Timeline: Glazers and their turbulent reign at Manchester United

Related: Protesting Manchester United fans invade Old Trafford – in pictures

7.41pm BST

That’s it from a momentous day, something unseen in Premier League history, the postponement of the grandest fixture in English football. And the delaying of Manchester City’s title.

Key points

7.21pm BST

A reminder of Roy Keane’s words on Sky Sports, words that must have sent the director’s earpiece into overdrive.

The United fans have had enough and they’re doing it because they love the club 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.

7.15pm BST

Steve, a Liverpool fans in Liverpool, says: “If today’s riot had have happened at Millwall/Chelsea or, god forbid...Anfield – the reporting (sic) would have been 180 degrees different. By the way – any news on the Liverpool team? Sky were camped outside the vastly overrated Lowry weeping for their team inside. They never showed the slightest interest in Liverpool FC. Disgusting bias dominating English football, on and off the field, for the last 40 years.”

Point made, Steve. See a couple of posts below on the whereabouts of the Liverpool team.

7.12pm BST

Geoffrey emails in: “Amazing that better security was not arranged. First fixture since the ESL announcement. Always a tie with the potential for crowd problems. The pubs are now sort of open. The Chelsea demo emerged from nowhere but they were warned by this. Liverpool had more to lose, needing to win just about every game. United will cruise to second and CL qualification. United fans will not have wanted to lose today and see the title awarded to City. I think these issues still weigh on the hooligan element. I suppose if the Glazers can’t afford to paint the stadium, they might not be able to afford security!”

7.08pm BST

Greater Manchester Police have released a statement, saying two officers have been injured and that they will pursue those responsible for those acts, criminal damage and trespassing.

Officers were aware of a protest planned to take place in Old Trafford today (Sunday 2 May) and were working closely alongside partners to ensure those that attended were kept safe whilst enabling their right to peaceful protest.

Early this afternoon, groups of protestors began to gather at Old Trafford and separately at The Lowry Hotel, Salford where the United players were staying. By late afternoon around 200 protestors had gathered outside the Lowry and over 1,000 at Old Trafford.

7.06pm BST

Footage of Jamie Carragher when the United fans invade the Old Trafford is on heavy rotation on Sky Sports. He looks perturbed to say the least, his eyes running all over the place. And as a Liverpool legend, he was more than likely to somewhat worried.

7.02pm BST

And the same goes for Liverpool’s team coach, which has now been allowed to leave and is heading back towards the M62.

6.57pm BST

News from the Lowry Hotel in Salford: the players have finally been allowed to leave. Mission accomplished with the game being called off, it appears the fans staging a blockade outside the hotel have dispersed.

6.55pm BST

Oliver Dungey emails in: “There’s always a hardcore minority who ruin it for the rest of us. They might have had some valid points but they’ve gone too far and ruined it with their irresponsible actions. I for one hope they are dealt with severely: a so-called ‘legislative bomb’ that will make sure these owners never be able to dismantle the world of football as we all enjoy it today. You can’t let these ruffians get away with it.”

6.53pm BST

Christoffer Herberts emails in. “The fans are protesting against an owners who for a long time had the largest salary bill in the Premier League, and paid absurd amounts of money for players like Harry Maguire and Paul Pogba. Man Uniteds self-entitled fans are part of the problem, not the solution. To glorify the fact that they today put other people at risk and interrupted the schedule shows that the media need to think about its role as well.”

Those who committed criminal acts may well have to pay the consequences but the sentiment of direct action appears valid. In the current circumstances people are living in, there has been a powerlessness, and this was a taking back of the power no matter how brief that may prove. That’s the situation that gave rise to the events of today. It might be said that launching the Super League during Covid lockdowns was premeditated, but it appears the owners and authorities did not anticipate how hard fans would kick back.

The hope, of course, is that nobody was hurt too seriously. The Premier League show will go on though perhaps a little more cautiously.

6.40pm BST

One thing to say is that this happened when a social media boycott is taking place, with still only a few journalists and media breaking the embargo that runs until midnight tomorrow. Without such noises off, there was a certain purity to the events, with some of those responsible getting their message out there via Twitter and little dissent against them. Though there was always Graeme Souness. Micah Richards also sat on the fence, though Sky’s broadcast included plenty of supportive words for the protestors from Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane. Some afternoon’s work for David Jones as anchorman.

6.34pm BST

Good evening. What else can be said other than that Manchester United and attendant authorities cannot say they were not warned? The Super League idea triggered forces the owners thought they had no reason to answer to. They thought wrong, though such the game’s authorities are almost certain to kick back against what happened.

6.28pm BST

We’ve hit one million page views, which is faintly absurd but kind of uplifting. I think. My eyes are starting to go, so I’m going to hand over to John Brewin to continue this blog - you can email him at john.brewin.casual@theguardian.com. Thanks for your company and emails on another surreal day in a hella surreal season. Night.

6.25pm BST

It’s also been a good day for the Old Trafford Retirement Community

Related: Inter celebrate Serie A title after Atalanta are held by Sassuolo

6.25pm BST

If you want to follow some actual football, Simon Burnton is your man.

Related: Tottenham Hotspur v Sheffield United: Premier League – live!

6.24pm BST

“900,000+ views!” says Nigel Moore. “Shows you it’s not really football that draws in the crowd!”

I’m humbled that somebody has finally recognised the magnetism of my digital persona.

6.23pm BST

6.21pm BST

“The madness of the security breach before Manchester United v LFC tainted the art of peaceful protest, and achieved absolutely nothing,” says Nichole Graham. “As a former football steward (for Queens Park Rangers) I was worried about the staff stuck in the middle of that.”

It’s interesting that there is no consensus, which is slightly unusual in an age of groupthink. The emails we’ve received, hundreds of them now, are probably about 60/40 in favour of the protest. But even within that there are differences on each side – some condone everything, others qualify it by condemning the danger to stewards, some just want to laugh at videos of scallies wandering round Old Trafford swigging cans of Red Stripe. Even the Sky Sports team covered the full range of responses.

6.15pm BST

Page views update: 959,111. I think the highest is 2.5m, or something like that, for Croatia v England in 2018. But this must be a record for a game that didn’t happen.

6.14pm BST

It’s pretty odd that United were so unprepared for a protest that has been flagged for weeks. I should stress this isn’t a conspiracy theory; I’m very confident it was just complacency and incompetence. Still odd though.

6.12pm BST

“As the teams were officially announced an hour or so before the scheduled kick off, it should now be mandatory for the fixture to be fulfilled today in a local recreation area or any kind of open space that can be bagged at short notice,” says Derek Walmsley. “As anyone who has double booked a five-a-side pitch at their local sports centre will know, things can get nasty if you have to tell a keyed-up bunch of lads to change out of their kit and make their way back home.

“Therefore, they should use their local knowledge to find somewhere to play a scratch game, with a quick safety inspection to ensure that astroturf boots will work alright on asphalt/concrete/wasteland.”

6.12pm BST

“Has anyone given any thought,” begins Neil Iversen, “as to how this postponement will affect fantasy football leagues and teams across the country?”

Trust me, with Fernandes and Salah in my team and a fairly slender lead to protect in the Smyth family league, I’ve thought about little else since the original excitement wore off.

6.10pm BST

We normally get around 100,000 page views for a football liveblog. This one is on 935,400.

6.07pm BST

These are each team’s remaining fixtures

Man Utd Roma (6 May), Villa (9 May), Leicester (12 May), Fulham (19 May), Wolves (23 May), probable Europa League final (26 May)

6.03pm BST

Related: Manchester United v Liverpool postponed after fans invade Old Trafford in protest

6.03pm BST

The fallout from this is going to be fascinating. Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville are still passionately defending the protests, whereas the presenter Dave Jones keeps highlighting the bits that “went too far”. A hell of a lot is being left unsaid on both sides.

5.55pm BST

There are plenty of rumours being discussed on Sky. Graeme Souness is speculating that something else has happened that we don’t know about; Roy Keane says he has heard stories of cars being turned over outside the Lowry.

Souness has now said a flare and beercan were thrown at the Sky gantry. “We’re all skirting round it - let’s be honest, someone threw a flare up to this stage today. If that hit one of us we’d be lying in a hospital bed, permanently scarred. That ain’t a laughing matter.”

5.50pm BST

The discussions on Sky is really interesting, not least because Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have been encouraged on a number of occasions to criticise the protest, and they haven’t.

5.48pm BST

“Neville and Keane v Souness and Carra for a game of Wembley Doubles,” says Richard Preston. “Winner gets the points for their team.”

5.46pm BST

And here’s the Premier League statement

“Following the security breach at Old Trafford, the Manchester United vs. Liverpool game has been postponed. This is a collective decision from the police, both clubs, the Premier League and local authorities.

“The security and safety of everyone at Old Trafford remains of paramount importance. We understand and respect the strength of feeling but condemn all acts of violence, criminal damage and trespass, especially given the associated COVID-19 breaches. Fans have many channels by which to make their views known, but the actions of a minority seen today have no justification.

“We sympathise with the police and stewards who had to deal with a dangerous situation that should have no place in football. The rearrangement of the fixture will be communicated in due course.”

5.44pm BST

Manchester United’s official statement

“Following discussion between the Police, the Premier League, Trafford Council and the clubs, our match against Liverpool has been postponed due to safety and security considerations around the protest today. Discussions will now take place with the Premier League on a revised date for the fixture.

5.36pm BST

No word yet on when it will be played.

5.35pm BST

The Premier League, police and the two clubs are meeting now to decide when the game should go ahead.

5.33pm BST

“The uncertainty surrounding the adjusted kickoff time is wreaking havoc with my beer and chips planning,” hics Paul Pooley.

5.33pm BST

Thanks Will, hello again.

5.30pm BST

Rob Smyth is back, which is great news for all of you.

5.26pm BST

The fans also took a ball onto the pitch, so they at least got to live out a lifelong dream of playing on the hallowed turf.

5.21pm BST

The Glazers do not seem too keen on selling the club, so this process might be dragged out for a while. They might give this concept a bit of a shrug.

5.16pm BST

Mark Ogden on 5Live says he was told it would take 90 minutes to clean the ‘red zone’ within Old Trafford. This could take a while.

5.11pm BST

There was a heavy police presence at Old Trafford earlier.

5.09pm BST

It’s already the top story on 5Live news. One of the most recent callers believes writing a letter to the Glazers would have been a better idea.

5.06pm BST

The turf is deserted at Old Trafford and the warm up nets are on the pitch. However, there is no news of whether the match will go ahead today (or any other day).

5.02pm BST

Some individuals did get into the players’ tunnel at Old Trafford so the Premier League’s Covid compliance officer will have to be content that the requisite areas have been disinfected and are safe for the match to take place today.

5.01pm BST

I’m going to take a quick break, before I have an accident at my desk. Will Unwin will keep you updated for the next 20 minutes or so, cheers.

5.00pm BST

“I have to say I was disgusted at Graeme Souness’s ill-informed pro-Glazer stance on Sky,” says Steve in Cork. “He said they improved the stadium. They haven’t. The last improvements were made after the Glazers took over but were planned and approved before that. Since then the stadium has been falling apart. When you see it up close it’s rotten and disgusting.

“As for players, the Glazers haven’t put any of their own money in. They haven’t invested anything. The club has bought and sold players based on money it’s earned but when you look at when United have actually spent big money since Ferguson left, it’s only happened when United were outside the Champions League places. The Glazers are happy to sanction some spending to maintain Champions League football and keep the money rolling in but that’s it. It’s all about the illusion of success for the Glazers. They’re happy to do the bare minimum while they bleed the club dry.”

4.55pm BST

“I was looking forward to a decent game of football this afternoon,” says Pádraig McAuliffe. “However, I’m delighted to see the protests. In modern society, politics is broken and attention spans are short. Things like #MeToo, Windrush, #OscarsSoWhite etc show that change only comes with persistent protest. Football isn’t as important as these things, but it needs reform. Each and every reminder of this is welcome. Measured, rolling protest is the only way forward - a reckoning must be forced.

4.55pm BST

Our Gary has suggested the game could be played tomorrow afternoon, and points out there are issues around nutrition and preparation if the kick-off is delayed. Roy Keane says, if it was him, he’d rather play. If it was him.

4.50pm BST

There has just been an announcement at Old Trafford that the stadium is now secure. Still no kick-off time though.

4.50pm BST

Apparently the match ball and one of the corner flags are on a tour of central Manchester. It’s lovely that, even amid such a furious protest, somebody has found time to pay homage to the travelling gnome from Amelie.

4.48pm BST

Thanks again for your emails. I’m trying and failing to keep up with them all. I’ve received about five times as many today as I would during a normal game. I’m not sure what the moral of this particularly story is.

4.46pm BST

Related: Aubameyang back on target as Arsenal ease to win at Newcastle

4.43pm BST

If the ground has been cleared, as Sky are suggesting, there are three potential barriers to the match being played:

1. Getting the teams out of their hotels

4.42pm BST

“Regarding the decision to go ahead or not, Rob,” says Ian Copestake, “do you think this will involve VAR?”

Look, I can see the funny side of most things, but you’ve crossed a line there. A badly drawn line at that.

4.38pm BST

There are some exceedingly arresting photos in this

Related: Protesting Manchester United fans invade Old Trafford – in pictures

4.36pm BST

In the interest of balance department

“Emails are dominated by the XXX supporters who don’t care about the large numbers of football lovers who don’t give a damn about ‘cold nights in Swansea’,” says Jazi Zilber. “I just spoke with a friend. For him internationals and any game before the CL semis aren’t worth watching. The closed club was wrong. But a Super League with most games being watchable, competitive and with players whose names you know is a brilliant concept!”

4.34pm BST

It’s worth repeating that NBC are saying there has been a breach of the Covid bubble (4.10pm). If true, it means the game has to be postponed. Technically. I’ve a feeling we haven’t heard the last of this, because the Premier League are reportedly denying that any supporters went into the dressing-rooms.

4.31pm BST

Peep peep! The game should have been kicking off right now. It may still be played, as the police have managed to clear the forecourt at Old Trafford. But the teams are still at their team hotels.

4.28pm BST

“It seems any protest these days is a dirty protest,” says Ian Copestake. “While I am sad to be spared seeing us beat Utd only to lose the next three games, I support the right of middle fingers to be raised to the man.”

<Hastings> Or woman <Hastings>

4.26pm BST

Whatever the strength of feeling about the Glazers - or, indeed, anything - breaking into a venue, going onto property when not allowed is illegal and completely counter-productive to the very sentiment behind the protest. And, the bottom line, is this will have repercussions...

4.26pm BST

Gary Neville is off on another spectacular one about the European Super League. This-is a million times better than the match would have been.

“I think it would be the right thing to do for the Glazers to sell. Whether they will is another matter. I’ve seen the 50+1 protests - I don’t think that’s implementable in English football, as great as it potentially would be. What I do think is achievable in English football at this time if that every fan in this country - whether it’s an EFL club or a National League club that’s struggling abnd dying like you wouldn’t believe, whether it’s grassroots facilities in the community and you can’t afford to keep your pitches in a good state, whether you’re the 14 Premier League clubs outside the top six - you really know that you’re in danger from those six.

4.18pm BST

The stadium has been put into another lockdown, a steward has just told the media outside Old Trafford.

4.16pm BST

Official Premier League update

“After the security breach at Old Trafford we can confirm the Manchester United v Liverpool match will not kick-off at 16:30 BST.

The safety of everyone at Old Trafford is paramount.

At present there is no revised kick-off time. We will update accordingly.”

4.13pm BST

Thanks for all your emails, which I’m doing my best to sift through. It’s really interesting that, after the initial, instinctive condemnation, there is more and more support for the protests. Gary Neville is off on one again about the Glazers and Florentino Perez.

4.12pm BST

Roy Keane’s verdict

“I have sympathy with the fans, 100 per cent. It’s a tipping point for them. It was peaceful. One or two bottles were thrown and a couple of flares - I think that was towards Jamie to be fair - but they’ve had enough. Enough’s enough. United have some of the best fans in the world and we’ve seen today that they’ve come to the end with the ownership.”

4.10pm BST

Possible Covid breach

This is interesting from Chris Metzler.

4.10pm BST

And here’s Jamie Carragher

“It’s been a peaceful protest in the stadium, I’m not sure about outside. They’re very unhappy at how they’ve been treated, and how the Glazers have taken money out of the club. It’s heightened by what’s happening with the Super League. Yes, we want to see a game of football, and we don’t want any trouble, but I can’t stand here and have a go at Manchester United supporters. My own supporters at Liverpool were doing things 10 or 15 years ago to get Hicks and Gillett out of the club. Whether it will happen with the Glazers, who knows, but as long as it’s peaceful I won’t have a go at any Man Utd fans.”

4.06pm BST

Gary Neville is choosing his words very carefully on Sky Sports

“This is the consequence of the owners of Manchester United’s actions two weeks ago. There’s a general distrust and dislike of the owners, but people weren’t protesting before this happened. Generally, the Glazer family along with a number of other owners of football clubs in this country were conniving and scheming behind everyone’s back to walk away with the crown jewels. Today we’ve seen people protest at that.”

4.04pm BST

Sky Sports are saying the protest have been “largely peaceful”. There are various videos doing the rounds, including one of a civilian scoring at the Stretford End with an inelegant free-kick. It’s interesting that the majority of emails so far, about three in every five I’d say, have been in favour of the protest.

4.00pm BST

“I’m hoping for some Adrian Chiles/Roy Keane-style chit chat on the Man U blog,” writes my colleague John Windmill. “Exactly when does heavy rain become a downpour??”

When Roy Keane says so?

3.58pm BST

“I understand the fans’ anger, their desire to rid themselves of the cynical corporate influence of their game,” says Mary Waltz. “But unless they plan to carry on this form of protest every week through the rest of this season into the next year it will not change a thing. The Glazers, Kroenkes and Fenway Group owners are pricks of misery who do not care one whit about the public, their opinions.

“They are not used to anyone telling them what to do. They will not sell their teams on the cheap. They will issue anodyne comments, claim that they are sorry for the Super :eague, that they have heard and understand their fans’ complaints, but behind closed doors they will be saying ‘Who do these lowlifes think they are, no one tells me what to do.’”

3.57pm BST

The referee Michael Oliver is in the ground now, looking at a Sky camera with a quizzical expression and moving his thumb up and down. The teams are still at their respective hotels. My instinct is that there is approximately 0.00 per cent chance of the game being played today.

3.56pm BST

Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal is the final score in the first Premier League game of the day, which finished a couple of minutes ago.

Related: Newcastle United v Arsenal: Premier League – live!

3.54pm BST

Here’s more from Jamie Jackson on events in M16

Related: Manchester United v Liverpool delayed after fans invade Old Trafford in protest

3.53pm BST

“Hi Rob,” says George Wright. “Please spare a thoughts for the social media commentators unable to share their Very Important Opinions on events at Old Trafford during this weekend’s boycotts. And spare a thought for the rest of us when the floodgates open post-boycott...”

It’s killing me. I’ve got a tweet drafted and everything.

3.53pm BST

“Can we have a bit of balance?” says Simon Bradley. “As a United fan, I support fans taking their protest inside the stadium. Protest is meant to be disruptive. We’ve put up with 16 years of dreadful capitalist owners sucking the life out our club. Their decision to stick two fingers up to the fans, and indeed the rest of football, by joining the Super League is the final straw for many. I don’t care if the game is postponed, or even if we have to forfeit. It’s a small price to pay for trying to save our club.”

3.48pm BST

“While I’m inclined to agree with Karine Flores,” says Zach Neeley, “in theory, in reality its the wrong way that usually gets the attention of the powers that be.”

Agreed. Whatever the rights and wrongs, this has been a phenomenally effective protest.

3.48pm BST

“Afternoon Rob,” says Stephen Carr. “Could we use the delay to have a full and frank discussion about VAR? It feels overdue to be honest.”

3.45pm BST

I’ve just had a chilling thought. If the kick-off is heavily delayed, the match could overlap with Line of Duty. I’m clocking off at 8.59pm, even if it’s 4-4 with 20 minutes remaining.

3.44pm BST

“There’s a way to do things,” says Karine Flores, “and storming into Old Trafford and putting the game in jeopardy isn’t the right way!!”

3.43pm BST

What I really want to know is: where is Michael Oliver? What’s a referee supposed to do in a situation like this?

3.41pm BST

The Premier League have confirmed the kick-off will be delayed. They haven’t said when, or if, the match will begin.

3.40pm BST

“Surely if the match is postponed United will simply have to forfeit the game,” says Declan O’Brien. “It’s a complete failure on their behalf to ensure the safety of all those involved. If they do postpone it, it could come after fans are allowed into the stadiums again, thus gaining them an advantage, inconveniencing the opposition and greatly increasing the chances of further fan unrest.”

I hadn’t thought about that. It might end up in the courts, especially if Liverpool qualify for the Champions League ahead of, say, Chelsea.

3.39pm BST

“The media are currently being kept at a distance at the back of the Stretford End while searches continue inside Old Trafford for fans who entered the stadium. No word yet on when, or if, media will be allowed entry. Arrival to the ground was very straightforward and strict security-wise, which raises the question of how so many people were able to get inside the stadium from the opposite corner of Old Trafford.

“There was a small crowd of anti-Glazer protesters at the gates on John Gilbert Way. The gates were locked and opened only for those of us in cars with passes for the game, which were checked at three different security points before you were able to park up. A helicopter is hovering above Old Trafford and, right on cue, the heavens have opened.”

3.38pm BST

“As an American, I’m very impressed by this show of fan intensity, I simply can’t imagine Cowboys fans taking over the stadium before a game because they’re sick of Jerry Jones. I’m curious if it reads any differently there, more complicated because of the history of fan violence that Britain has worked so hard to reduce.”

I’d imagine there are thousands of desperately frustrated people who would like to signal their disapproval via social media.

3.34pm BST

This is a bit weird: they’ve announced the teams an hour before the scheduled kick-off.

Oh, you want to actually know what they are? Fair enough.

3.32pm BST

There are unconfirmed reports of utter bloody chaos. I’d say there’s no chance of this game going ahead.

3.30pm BST

“Given the level of entertainment from recent United/Liverpool games,” says David Wall, “would it be more of an anti-climax if the game went ahead or if it gets called off?”

Heh, very good. If it’s postponed, which looks increasingly inevitable, I wonder when they’ll play it. The only window, as far as I can see, is FA Cup final day.

3.23pm BST

Sky are reporting that the referee Michael Oliver has been turned away from the stadium. I think it’s fair to assume this game won’t be kicking off at 4.30pm.

3.21pm BST

Whether the game goes ahead or not - and the Premier League are confident it will - there are serious questions to be asked regarding security, with the club and Greater Manchester Police hardly appearing to be on top of a situation they should have pre-empted. It should also be noted that last week United’s Carrington training base was also breached by a group of individuals.

3.18pm BST

The Premier League remained hopeful that the match would start on time with police having secured the area of the pitch, as they continued to work on making the outside safe for the teams to arrive. But the press have now just been asked to leave.

3.16pm BST

The Premier League are still saying the game will go ahead at 4.30pm. They say there has been no breach of Covid regulations because nobody has been in the dressing-rooms.

3.12pm BST

Some people are on the pitch, etc

3.07pm BST

Sky Sports are saying that the teams will not leave their hotels until “they are happy that the stadium and its perimeter are secure”. There’s no chance this match is happening, is there.

9.58am BST

I suppose that’s one way to stop City winning the league today. Manchester United v Liverpool, which is scheduled to kick off at 4.30pm, is in doubt after a spectacular anti-Glazer protest at Old Trafford and in the city centre. The Man Utd players are still stuck in the Lowry Hotel, and hundreds of fans managed to get on the Old Trafford pitch. We’ll have more news as it happens. In the meantime, here’s Jamie Jackson’s news story.

Related: Manchester United fans invade Old Trafford pitch during ‘Glazer out’ protests

Glazer family took control of club in 2005 with more than £500m debt, causing much fan unrest ever since

2003 Malcolm Glazer buys a 2.9% stake in Manchester United in March, which increases before the end of the year.

2004 Glazer’s stake in club reaches almost 20% in June and nears 30% in October. He makes bids for the club in October and December and removes three directors.

Related: Manchester United v Liverpool postponed after fans invade Old Trafford in protest

Related: Solskjær says fans must be heard as Manchester United prepare for protest

Manchester United’s game with Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday was delayed after hundreds of fans broke into Old Trafford and entered the pitch as they protested against the club’s ownership. Some individuals were seen carrying flares, with a corner flag being taken and paraded outside.

• Manchester United fans invade Old Trafford pitch during ‘Glazer out’ protests

Manchester United fans are protesting against the Glazer family’s ownership of the club after they signed up for the European Super League

• ‘You can see he’s enjoying himself here,’ manager says
• Bayern’s Kingsley Coman a possible summer target

Ole Gunnar Solskjær is hopeful Paul Pogba will sign a new contract so Manchester United will not be forced to sell the club’s record signing this summer. The 28-year-old’s terms end in July 2022 and his standout display in Thursday’s 6-2 Europa League semi-final first-leg win over Roma continued Pogba’s best spell of form since returning to United five years ago.

Related: ‘Job isn’t done’: Solskjær wary of Roma despite Manchester United thrashing