Cheshire Police have launched an investigation into an attack on Ed Woodward’s home from a group of Manchester United supporters.
A hooded gang of around 20 people were pictured outside the Cheshire property of United’s executive vice-chairman on Tuesday night.
They rang the intercom and, when there was no response, sprayed red paint over it and then launched flares and a smoke bomb at the house, while some in attendance were heard chanting ‘he’s going to die’ in footage that was widely shared on social media.
Woodward, his wife and two young children are not believed to have been inside the property at the time of the incident.
“At around 10.45pm on Tuesday 28 January, Cheshire police were notified of an incident of criminal damage that had taken place earlier this evening with a large group targeting a property in the Nether Peover area,” read a police statement.
“Thankfully no-one was harmed, and officers will liaise with security officials over the coming days to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and identify those involved.”
United have vowed take strong action against those who were in attendance and found to have acted criminally.
A club statement said: “Manchester United Football Club have tonight been made aware of the incident outside the home of one of our employees.
“We know that the football world will unite behind us as we work with Greater Manchester Police to identify the perpetrators of this unwarranted attack.
“Anybody found guilty of a criminal offence, or found to be trespassing on this property, will be banned for life by the club and may face prosecution.
“Fans expressing opinion is one thing, criminal damage and intent to endanger life is another. There is simply no excuse for this.”
Woodward, who helped the Glazers take over United in 2005, has been the subject of growing fans’ discontent.
The club having failed to win the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 and are currently sitting fifth in the table, 33 points behind leaders and bitter rivals Liverpool.
The attack overshadowed what was a positive news day given a deal for midfielder Bruno Fernandes is close to completion.
Fernandes, 25, is expected to fly to England for his medical and join United before the transfer window shuts on Friday and could even be involved in the Premier League game against Wolverhampton Wanderers the following day.
According to reports, the deal is worth an initial fee of about £46.6million, plus £21.1m in add-ons. United will give Sporting another £4.2m based on appearances next season and another £4.2m if they qualify for the Champions League.
Sporting are due about £12.7m in two separate add-ons: if United win the Champions League during Fernandes’s time at the club; and if the player wins the Ballon d’Or.
A 10 per cent sell-on clause has also been included in the deal. Fernandes will sign a 4½-year contract, with the option of a further year, if he passes his medical.
