Manchester United have condemned the actions of a group of supporters who gathered outside Ed Woodward’s house and threw flares at the property while chanting he was ‘going to die’.
A hooded gang of around 20 people were pictured outside the Cheshire home of United’s executive vice-chairman on Tuesday night to protest against his running of the club and the Glazers’ ownership.
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.
United have released a statement which says they are working with police to identify those involved and will take strong action against those who were in attendance, vowing to ban them from the club for life.
Woodward, his wife and two young children are not believed to have been inside the property during the time of the incident.
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 has been the subject of growing fans’ discontent at United, with the club having failed to win the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 and currently sitting fifth in the table, 33 points behind leaders and bitter rivals Liverpool.
