Supporters seeking to block a projected takeover bid by American billionaire Malcolm Glazer invaded the pitch for three minutes brandishing a "Not For Sale" banner.
The peaceful protest - made by members of a group calling themselves the Manchester Education Committee - targeted MUTV, who were broadcasting the game live.
United issued a short statement which read: "Encroaching on the field of play is against the law.
"The club does not condone what happened last night. It would be unacceptable at a first team game and it is unacceptable for the reserves."
The club refused to comment on threats by the MEC that they would activate a "civil war" if supporters' views were ignored in any takeover situation.
The group were also responsible for disrupting a race meeting at Hereford earlier this year during Sir Alex Ferguson's feud with Irish racing moguls John Magnier and JP McManus.
Two days ago, United director Maurice Watkins had red paint splashed over his car in retribution for a million of his shares being passed on to Glazer.
The supporters believe Glazer does not have sufficient funds to take over the club and would pay off resulting loans by hiking admission prices.
They apparently targeted the reserve match to redress the balance after what was perceived as a pro-Glazer interview on MUTV earlier this week.
Glazer has so far refused to confirm he made the initial approach to United last week seeking clarification of a number of issues relating to a possible buy-out. Tweet
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Typical united. United fans made a peaceful demo for the love of our club. This was a way to be heard. The fat cats will be long gone. Its us supporters who will always be there and need t be heard.
NOT FOR SALE
I think man u should not sell and keep making profits thier the 2nd richest club in britain and 5th richest in world.thier not going to get any richer with someone else coming in.
1. The battle to keep MU public will continue until we ( the supporters) own the club.
2. The fallout over the horse was a fallout between fans & Cubic, as it was seen that Ferguson's position was threatened - this had nothing to do with club ownership: it surprises me that it has all gone quiet since then as nothing has changed & now there is a new threat.
3. While it was wrong to disrupt the game perhaps MU could tell us what we should do to get our feelings heard / publicised. Give in? Accept the money & run? Put up with increased prices? Sale of ground? Perhaps some pro-active thoughts & deeds by the board & assurances that they will not sell & that they will buy would not go amiss - but what do we hear? The silence is deafening.
To whom it may concern,
Further to the planned takeover of Manchester United PLC by american tycoon Malcolm Glazer, the supporters of Manchester United FC are planning a day of protest prior to the game against Arsenal on the 24.10.2004.
The protest will take the form of a slow march down Sir Matt Busby way at 3.30 pm. This will inevitably lead to the kick of time being delayed as several thousand fans will be unable to enter the stadium, until the protest march has ceased.
This is not a course of action Manchester United fans are proud to take but we feel that it is essential that the club is made aware of the strength of feeling against this takeover bid.
The police are aware of this matter and it is anticipated that they will take a prudent decision to delay kick off till the march has ceased.
Yours faithfully
THE SUPPORTERS OF MANCHESTER UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB.