COPS were seen investigating at the home of Manchester United chief Ed Woodward this morning after it was targeted by vandals in a shocking attack.
SunSport revealed how a mob of around 20 furious fans launched flares at the £2million Cheshire mansion last night, while new pictures today show the house was also doused in red paint by thugs.
Red spray paint covers an intercom and plaque at the house of Manchester United chief Ed Woodward
Cops were investigating this morning following a shocking attack by thugs last nightCredit: AFP or licensors
Furious supporters launched flares at the property
White sheets cover the gates at the front of the houseCredit: �AndyKelvin / Kelvin Media
The gang congregated outside and rang an intercom on large gates at the entrance to the sprawling property.
Fortunately, United executive vice-chairman Woodward was not in the house and neither were his wife Isabelle or their twin six-year-old girls.
Fresh images from today show red spray over the intercom and across the plaque bearing the house’s name. Two white sheets cover the wooden gates.
A source told The Sun last night: “Woodward has been a disaster as chief executive and needs to leave the club.
“Lots of people have said it but he doesn’t seem to listen – perhaps because he’s getting paid £4m-a-year.
“So we decided to pay him a visit to tell him to his face. We didn’t get to speak to him but hopefully he’ll get the message because we’re not going away and we won’t stand around doing nothing while our club is ruined.”
Cheshire Police has said it is now looking to track down those involved.
A spokeswoman said: “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.”
Woodward was not in the property at the timeCredit: PA:Press Association
A Crime Scene squad are investigating the mansionCredit: AFP or licensors
Police blocked the entrance to the houseCredit: AFP or licensors
A Man Utd club statement said there was ‘no excuse’ for the attackCredit: AFP or licensors
The mob congregated outside the house last night
Manchester United said there was “no excuse” for the violence, and vowed to ban the thugs for life from Old Trafford.
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.”
England legend Gary Lineker responded to disturbing footage doing the rounds on on social media, insisting: “If this is genuine then it’s absolutely disgusting. The man has young twins, FFS.”
In recent weeks, fans at Old Trafford have been criticised for increasingly vitriolic chants aimed at Woodward, who has been chief exec since 2013.
He has been accused of being more interested in United’s share price and putting profits off the pitch over performances on it.
In November, a United fan walked up to him in a bar and gave him a “wet willy” as he played pool in a bar ahead of United’s Europa League clash against Astana in Kazakhstan.
The video was posted online by a fan called “Gaz”, who wrote: “Ed Woodward playing pool in the bar here, United lad just walked over and gave him a wet willy.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
