Woodward stands firm at United despite home attack
Club chief refuses to be driven out amid unrest Police work to identify 20-strong masked mob
Ed Woodward was last night adamant he would not be driven out of Manchester United and was more determined than ever to oversee a renaissance, despite the attack on his Cheshire home deepening family concerns over his welfare.
United were yesterday working with the police to identify the 20-strong mob who threw flares, smoke bombs and red paint at the executive vice-chairman’s £2 million home the previous evening.
Woodward had just finished finalising a deal for Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes following protracted talks with Sporting Lisbon when the attack happened shortly after 8pm. Neighbours initially feared there had been an explosion or gun shots.
One revealed that Woodward had recently relocated his family to London, although he does continue to use the property when in Manchester. His wife, Isabelle, with whom he has five-year-old twin girls, has become increasingly concerned about the way her husband is being targeted by fans furious at his and the Glazers’ running of United. Woodward and the owners have been subjected to a series of foul-mouthed chants at recent games, but he has no intention of being driven out. Sources close to the former investment banker insist nobody at Old Trafford wants the club to succeed more than him and that his commitment is stronger than ever.
Woodward was at the Etihad Stadium last night for the second leg of United’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City, refusing to allow the disgraceful scenes on Tuesday from stopping him.
There was a public display of affection for Woodward by City officials at the game following a surprise show of support from Paul Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, with whom there had previously been notable tensions.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the United manager, said: “I’ve got to say that everyone at the club is disgusted with what happened. Our fans are passionate but opinions can be voiced in different ways.”
Police were at the property in a quiet village near Knutsford yesterday morning, working to “identify those involved” in what they said had been “an incident of criminal damage”.
Anyone found guilty faces prosecution, and United have vowed to issue life-banning orders. An alarm company was also present, and private security staff were thought to be in attendance.
The electric double gates designed to keep out intruders were draped with white sheets to cover red graffiti.
Steve Morrisey, managing director of som3 Recruitment, said from his nearby office: “A few neighbours messaged me just after 8pm, saying, ‘Did you hear what sounded like a gunshot or explosion about 10 mins ago? Sounded like it came from your end of the village’.”
Morrisey said the village, notable for its 13th-century church and 18th-century school, was “very quiet” and that Woodward “kept himself to himself ”.
He said he had not seen Woodward or his family for “about three months”, adding: “All you ever see, really, nowadays is the odd gardener or cleaner.”
He said of the attackers: “I think it was a load of gutless kids who need to grow up a bit, really.”
Those “kids” are believed to include members of United’s notorious “Men In Black” hooligan firm, who previously targeted the home of Wayne Rooney – and allegedly threatened to kill him – after he announced he was leaving the club in 2010 before signing a new contract.
They also barracked David Beckham in 2002 and were allegedly involved when Rio Ferdinand was confronted at home in 2005 by a group calling themselves “United boys”, who demanded he extend his own deal.
The “Men In Black” name originates from a clash between a crowd of diehard United and West Ham United fans in Brick Lane, London, after a league game in 1989. Despite being outnumbered, the thugs from Manchester overcame their rivals, after which one of the bloodied members adopted the moniker, inspired by the fact that the majority wore dark clothing.
Their exploits even appeared in two books written by Tony O’neill, who was known as “The General” during his three decades as a senior member, and later ringleader.
O’neill has previously differentiated the “Men In Black” from other football firms by their mindset, saying: “The ‘Men In Black’ put themselves in situations most other people wouldn’t. We went in there with a, ‘Whatever happens, happens’, attitude.”
Greater Manchester Police have previously said the group was being “constantly monitored”.
The Daily Telegraph was unable to reach any United supporters willing to comment on the attack or the involvement of “Men In Black” members, although the @Redissue Twitter account risked further provocation by posting: “No rightthinking Utd fan can condone the attack on Woodward’s home last night. Why they didn’t wait to ensure he was in is disgraceful. Those responsible should be ashamed.”
There was a public display of affection for him by City officials