The home of Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has been attacked by fans armed with flares on Tuesday night.

Footage on social media shows a small number of supporters throwing the incendiary objects over the gate of Woodward’s property with graffiti also reportedly sprayed on the fence surrounding his home.

It’s believed that neither Woodward or his family were home at the time of the attack with the Red Devils quick to condemn an incident which is now being investigated by police.

“Manchester United Football Club have tonight been made aware of the incident outside the home of one of our employees,” a club statement released on Tuesday night read.

“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 offence, or found to be trespassing on this property, will be banned for life 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 attack comes just days after United’s FA Cup victory over Tranmere was overshadowed by threatening fan chants that were directed Woodward.

One reported example went: “Gonna die, gonna die, Ed Woodward’s gonna die. How we kill him, I don’t know. Chop him up from head to toe. All I know is Woodward’s gonna die.”

Woodward has become a figure of increasing frustration among Red Devils supporters as the club has struggled to compete since the retirement of former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 48-year-old played a key role in the Glazer’s takeover of United in 2005 and was subsequently handed a role within the club before being named executive vice-chairman in 2012.

In his first transfer window in the position, Woodward failed to win fans over with a lack of signings and the decision to bring in Marouane Fellaini from Everton widely ridiculed.

This month, the Red Devils have once again struggled to get deals done but do however now look close to signing Sporting attacker Bruno Fernandes.