Manchester United captain Harry Maguire received a chilling threat to bomb his family home in the aftermath of the club's 4-0 loss to Liverpool, it was revealed today. Police officers were dispatched to his home in Wilmslow, Cheshire, on Thursday afternoon, together with a specialist police explosives dog, as a follow-up, it's been confirmed.
Cheshire Constabulary said the highly-trained dog carried out a search of the gardens and the area immediately surrounding the property today. It's understood the Red Devils skipper received the bomb threat by email at the family home he shares with his fiancee Fern Hawkins and their two daughters.
That was on Wednesday, police said, after United were beaten 4-0 by old rivals Liverpool in the Premier League at Anfield on Tuesday evening. Police said officers were called to reports of a 'bomb threat' on Wednesday, but said no evacuations took place. No time was given.
The presence today of the explosives dog was described as a 'precautionary measure', but no further details have been revealed. A spokesman for defender Maguire confirmed he had received a 'serious threat to his family home' - and that he had contacted the police.
The England international was said to be continuing to focus on Saturday's crucial lunchtime fixture at Arsenal, as United continue to battle to obtain a top four finish to secure Champions League football.
A spokesman for Maguire told the Manchester Evening News : "In the last 24 hours, Harry has received a serious threat to his family home. He has reported this to the police who are now looking into the matter. The safety of his family and those around him is obviously Harry's number one priority. He will continue to prepare for this weekend’s fixture as normal and we will not be commenting in any further detail at this time."
United's captain - an £80m signing from Leicester City in August, 2019 - has been singled out for criticism amid the team's recent run of poor form. News of the bomb threat emerged today just hours after United confirmed Ajax manager Erik ten Hag as the club's new manager from the end of the season.
In a statement, Cheshire Police said: "On Wednesday 20 April, Cheshire Police were called to reports of a bomb threat at an address in the Wilmslow area.
"No evacuations took place, but as a precautionary measure a police explosives dog has attended the address this afternoon, Thursday 21 April, to conduct a search of the gardens and surrounding area."
The Manchester Evening News has contacted Manchester United for comment.
