LOWEST ATTENDANCE EVER

This from the MEN on last night's protest and lack of fans.

Angry Manchester United fans clashed with mounted police before the club's big Euro test last night but there were no problems on the pitch.

As bottles and cans were hurled at the police by those still protesting at the club's takeover by Malcolm Glazer, United strolled to a 3-0 comfortable Champions League qualifying round victory against Debrecen from Hungary with goals from Wayne Rooney, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Outside hundreds of protesters, some waving banners and yelling insults about the Glazers, had marched from the Trafford pub on Chester Road to the stadium.

Inside the Glazer brothers were greeted by the sight of 16,000 empty seats at Old Trafford as fans boycotted United's Champions League qualifier.

The crowd for the game against the Hungarians was 51,701 - the most empty seats at Old Trafford ever for a European tie.

Last night the protest showed no sign of going away.

Mark Longden, 46, of Levenshulme, chair of the Independent Manchester United Supporters Association who organised the march said: "The fans are still angry about the takeover without a doubt - and that is reflected in the crowd and the mood tonight."

Sean Bones, 45 of Shareholders United said: "United fans are the most fair generous and passionate fans in the UK. When supporters come out onto the streets like this. It shows there is something very wrong with the takeover.

"This is a peaceful protest, we did not come here for violence but we have been let down by the FA, the government and the Premiership so now we are looking after ourselves.

"We feel this will be a story with a happy ending. We will decide what the future of this club is and we won't stop until Glazer is removed, we're protecting the heritage of the club for future generations."

Meanwhile Shareholders United spokesman Oliver Houston said: "This boycott is symbolic - one game is not going to cripple the club financially. The fact they had only sold 40,000 tickets yesterday and are having to sell them on the gate is a significant blow - it's unheard of.

"Whilst we remain united around Sir Alex and the team, we remain vehemently opposed to the vast and potentially crippling debt the Glazers have forced on to the club.

"The supporters are the true long-term custodians of the club and whilst the manager and the players have a job to do, so de we - and that is to protect the heritage of United and preserve it for future generations.

"This is just the start of a long campaign."