With only two days remaining in the January transfer window, Man Utd fans have received a glimmer of hope in the club's pursuit of Bruno Fernandes. After appearing to hit a brick wall, the Daily Mail now claims the move is back on.
The British news outlet report that the Red Devils have made a breakthrough in negotiations with Sporting CP after failing to agree on a fee. The deal reached is reportedly worth $88.3M.
The Premier League giants will pay $60.7M up front, with an extra $11.1M in add-ons being included related to the number of appearances he makes and whether he can help the club qualify for the Champions League.
Furthermore, the Daily Mail writes that an extra $16.5M could be paid to the Lions if the player hits "less attainable targets". The Portuguese ace is expected to sign a five-year deal with Solskjaer's side and could undergo a medical on Thursday but is yet to agree personal terms.
Unfortunately, this positive turn of events did not stop a mob of angry Man United fans from attacking the house of Ed Woodward. The club's executive vice-chairman has come under severe criticism from the supporters for the lack of leadership, with some taking drastic measures to make their anger known.
A gang of 20 hooded people, believed to be from the infamous "Men in Black" hooligan firm, visited Woodward Cheshire mansion. Neither Ed nor his family was believed to be present during this incident on Tuesday night and when no one came out to meet the mob, all hell broke loose.
Red paint was sprayed over the gates, while spray bombs and fireworks were launched into the grounds and at the house. The club have since put out a statement regarding the incident, promising to ban the people involved for life from Old Trafford.
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," the statement read.
Ed Woodward's house in Cheshire was attacked by 20-30 Manchester United fans in balaclava's at around 8pm tonight.
— Football Tweet (@Football__Tweet) January 28, 2020
Man Utd official statement: "Fans expressing opinion is one thing, criminal damage and intent to endanger life is another. There is simply no excuse for this." pic.twitter.com/THIaG9s2hb
#MUFC executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward's house was attacked tonight. I get fan anger - I've sung plenty of nasty songs / protested about owners at my club - but this is too far pic.twitter.com/tmzTecXCXR
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) January 28, 2020
"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."
While the board is aware they must act to please the growing unrest among the fans, this is an unwanted distraction from their League Cup semi-final clash with Man City. Ole's side lost the first leg 3-1 at Old Trafford and must now pull off a comeback at the Etihad Stadium.
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