Manchester United are planning to increase security around Ed Woodward following the attack on his home, sources have told ESPN.
United have promised to ban for life any United supporter found to be involved in the incident in Lower Peover on Jan. 27 which saw flares and fireworks aimed at the executive vice-chairman’s house. Cheshire police are also investigating.
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In response, United have discussed beefing up Woodward’s security, including when he attends matches at Old Trafford. He was absent from the 0-0 draw with Wolves on Saturday, the first home game since the attack, with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer having said afterwards it was because of “other commitments.”
Woodward was heckled by fans at the airport after arriving in Kazakhstan for the Europa League clash with Astana in November, and there are fears he could be targeted at Old Trafford amid growing supporter unrest. Woodward and owners the Glazer family have been subjected to protest chants at recent matches.
Meanwhile, Jesse Lingard, Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot have chosen to spend their time off during the winter break training in Dubai. Solskjaer granted his players a break before they head off for a warm weather camp in Marbella but the trio have travelled to the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex, along with coach Kieran McKenna, to take part in extra sessions.
The rest of the squad are expected back at Carrington at the end of the week before heading to Spain to prepare for the trip to Chelsea on Feb. 17, although injured duo Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay will not take part.