In brief
Cheshire Police were called at 8.30pm BST on Wednesday, 21 October, after three unknown men were reported in a neighbouring property's rear garden, shortly after the 4-1 Champions League loss to Como.
United confirmed on Thursday, 22 October, that Fernandes' family were not in the house and that the intruders were inside for less than five minutes before police arrived.
Police said a number of items were stolen, and DI Dave Jarvis described the investigation as being in its early stages. The Sun, as carried by Portuguese outlets, reported jewellery and other valuables were taken.
- 21 OctChampions League match against Como kicks off at 5.45pm BST in Italy, with Fernandes playing the full game
- 21 OctCheshire Police are called at 8.30pm BST after reports of three unknown men in a neighbouring property's garden
- 22 OctUnited confirm that Fernandes' family were not in the house and that the intruders were inside for less than five minutes
The break-in
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes had his home in Cheshire burgled on Wednesday, 21 October, while he was in Italy with the club for its Champions League match against Como. Cheshire Police were called at 8.30pm BST after reports of suspicious activity from three unknown men, shortly after full time in United's 4-1 defeat. The match kicked off at 5.45pm BST, and Fernandes played the full game.
Officers who attended found no trace of the suspects but discovered that a burglary had taken place and that a number of items had been stolen. The caller had reported three men in the rear garden of a neighbouring property. DI Dave Jarvis said in a statement to The Athletic that the investigation is in its early stages and that officers are committed to tracing those responsible.
“An investigation into the incident has been launched and enquiries are ongoing.”
Family absent, intruders brief
United confirmed to The Athletic on Thursday, 22 October, that Fernandes' family were not in the house. The club said the intruders were inside for less than five minutes before police arrived. United said it is supporting the 32-year-old midfielder and his family, and hopes they can keep some privacy during a difficult time.
According to The Sun, as carried by Portuguese outlets, jewellery and other valuables were taken from the house, and Fernandes and his wife are described as devastated. The BBC said it had contacted Cheshire Police about the incident.
A pattern in the area
The BBC reports that Fernandes is the latest player to have a family home burgled while playing for his team. Manchester City's Ruben Dias and his former girlfriend Maya Jama had their Cheshire home targeted in January, while Dias was at City's Champions League game against Galatasaray. Earlier victims in the same area include Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez.
Fernandes joined United from Sporting in January 2020 and has started every game for the club this season. He was the Premier League's player of the year last season, having broken the competition's assist record.
Tactical criticism after the defeat
The 4-1 loss to Como was United's seventh consecutive winless result. After the match, Fernandes appeared to question the team's approach, and he told TNT Sports that the side had to be braver in its pressing.
“I think sometimes we have to be more brave under pressure, take a risk of getting that press very high and making them uncomfortable, as they did to us”
The BBC reports that he criticised manager Michael Carrick's tactics. Fernandes will remain United's captain and will not be disciplined for his comments.