Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes' £4 million home in Cheshire was broken into by masked burglars on Wednesday night while he was away with the team in Italy for the Champions League match against Como, which United lost 4-1.
Three masked individuals were spotted at around 8.30pm, shortly after the final whistle. A neighbour alerted police after noticing the suspicious figures in the area.
Intruders Flee with Valuables
According to the Manchester Evening News, the intruders are believed to have scaled the rear garden fence, which backs onto woodland, before leaving with valuables. Despite the property being fitted with a sophisticated security system including alarms, CCTV and an electric gate, the burglars managed to flee. None of Fernandes' family members were present at the time, and the intruders left the premises within less than five minutes before police arrived.
Police Investigation Underway
A Cheshire Police spokesperson said: "At around 8.30pm on Wednesday, October 21, police were called to reports of suspicious activity at an address in the Alderley Park area of Nether Alderley. The caller reported three unknown men in the rear garden of a neighbouring property. Officers attended the scene and on arrival there was no trace of the suspects. However, officers discovered that there had been a burglary at the address and a number of items had been stolen."
Detective Inspector David Jarvis, of Macclesfield Proactive CID, added: "This investigation is in its early stages at this time, and we're committed to doing all we can to trace the people responsible. As part of our enquiries, we're keen to hear from anyone who was in the local area at the time and believes they may have witnessed anything suspicious."
Post-Match Controversy
Following the defeat, Fernandes courted controversy by appearing to publicly question manager Michael Carrick's tactical approach after the loss. United are rallying behind the 32-year-old following the incident.
