Ed Woodward Gets Extra Security Protection Amid Fear of Fan Anger Over Transfers
Manchester United have reportedly stepped up security around Ed Woodward, evidently fearing for his safety after his home was attacked near January's transfer deadline.
The club was forced to release a statement earlier this year condemning the actions of a handful of 'fans' who were filmed attacking the executive vice-chairman's Cheshire residence on 28 January. The incident came off the back of mounting frustrations at the club's lack of transfer activity, for which Woodward bore the brunt of the blame in the eyes of many of the club's supporters.
Security around Ed Woodward’s home will be increased around transfer deadline day – with fears the #mufc chief executive could again be a target for fans [@MirrorFootball] pic.twitter.com/bhOZuJNKIM
— United Zone (@ManUnitedZone_) October 4, 2020
Similar misgivings are rife this time out, as United look at serious risk of losing out on long-term target Jadon Sancho. Donny van de Beek has been their only major arrival, though he is expected to be followed by veteran striker Edinson Cavani before the window closes on Monday.
In a precautionary measure to avoid a repeat of January's disturbing scenes, The Mirror report that United have upped the security around Woodward and his family. It's said the club are confident there will be no recurrence of the incident, but want to take no chances ahead of the deadline.
Outwardly there have been criticisms of United's transfer approach, but publicly, the club have been unified behind their cautious approach. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recently urged fans not to expect signings for the sake of signings, pointing to their recent transfer record as evidence of how things can go wrong.
“I don't want to talk about names who didn't have a successful career at Man Utd before moving on because there are different reasons for people not being a success at the club," he told reporters ahead of Sunday's clash with Spurs.
“But, yes, we now have to be very thorough and very sure when we put big money down for players.
“They have to be right for the future, they have to be right for now, and they have to be right for the group that is already here. It's much more complex than just pointing a finger at a player and saying: 'He's got the quality.' "