As Manchester United's game continues to decline, Woodward's managerial skills have come under scrutiny by the club fanbase - notoriously known for episodes of aggressive behavior - some of whom expressed their indignation by attacking Woodward's £2million ($2,6 million) Cheshire mansion.
Man Utd fans throw flares at Ed Woodward’s house in shocking scenes as anti-board protests escalate. pictures show a gang of around 20 hooded supporters - some of whom are members of United’s notorious “Men In Black” hooligan firm - targeting the £2million Cheshire mansion. pic.twitter.com/OdUIFMMsqk
— Lilian Chan (@bestgug) January 29, 2020
Footage has been surfacing on social media showing an angry mob claimed to be Manchester United fans throwing flares at what is claimed to be Woodward’s mansion. Hooligans also reportedly chanted the tune of the famous 19th-century American folk song, Clementine: "Build a bonfire, build a bonfire, put the Glazers on the top, put Ed Woodward in the middle and burn the f***ing lot".
EXCLUSIVE: @ManUtd thugs attack Ed Woodward's Cheshire mansion with flares and vandalise outside property with graffiti
— ishaq iddriss (@ishaqidris15) January 28, 2020
The incident happened tonight around 20:00GMT @MirrorFootball pic.twitter.com/veYJZaD4In
Manchester United has issued a statement cited by UK-based media outlets condemning the vandalism.
"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 offense, 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", the statement said.
Woodward has reportedly been particularly blamed for controversial transfer operations that allegedly lead to a series of club failures.
Woodward - previously an investment banker at JP Morgan & Co, famously bailed out by the US Treasury during the 2008 financial crisis - has been managing club operations since 2013, and the Red Devils have not claimed the championship since that time.
