The home of Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has been attacked by supporters armed with flares on Tuesday.
The footage on social media shows a small number of fans throwing the objects over the gate of Woodward’s property with graffiti also reported to be sprayed on the fence of his home.
However, neither Woodward or his family were home at the time of the attack with United quick to condemn the incident which is being investigated by police.
“Manchester United Football Club have tonight been made aware of the incident outside the home of one of our employees,” a club statement released on Tuesday read.
“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 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.”
The attack comes just days after United’s FA Cup win over Tranmere was overshadowed by threatening fan chants directed towards Woodward.
One reported example went: “Gonna die, gonna die, Ed Woodward’s gonna die. How we kill him, I don’t know. Chop him up from head to toe. All I know is Woodward’s gonna die.”
Woodward has become a figure of increasing frustration among the club supporters as they have struggled to compete since the retirement of former coach Sir Alex Ferguson.
The 48-year-old played a vital role in the Glazer’s takeover of United in 2005 and was handed a role within the club before being named as the Red devils’ executive vice-chairman in 2012.
In his first transfer window in the position, Woodward failed to win supporters over with a lack of signings and the decision sign Marouane Fellaini from Everton widely ridiculed.
