Manchester United Confirm Cyber Attack On The Club By 'Organised Criminals'

Manchester United have released a statement explaining they were the targets of a cyber attack by 'organised criminals.'

The club's communications department stated: "Manchester United can confirm that the club has experienced a cyber attack on our systems. The club has taken swift action to contain the attack and is currently working with expert advisers to investigate the incident and minimise the ongoing IT disruption.

"Although this is a sophisticated operation by organised cyber criminals, the club has extensive protocols and procedures in place for such an event and had rehearsed for this risk.

"Our cyber defences identified the attack and shut down affected systems to contain the damage and protect data."

PA

United have confirmed Saturday's clash with West Bromwich Albion will still go ahead despite the attack.

A United spokesperson told Press Association per Evening Standard: "These type of attacks are becoming more and more common and are something you have to rehearse for."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side were last in action against Everton, who they defeated 3-1 at Goodison Park.

Luke Shaw went off with a suspected hamstring injury and it means summer signing Alex Telles could make his Premier League debut against Albion.

Brandon Williams is also available and Solskjaer isn't worried about strength in that position.

"We've got options at full-back, so I'm not worried about that," he explained.

"Luke was in very good form, he was, as all of us [were], getting momentum and getting better and better.

"I think we can see progression in his football, he trusts himself more, I think we've got more crosses and attacks from Luke lately.

"He [Telles] has had a troubled time since he came.

"He's already been on two international breaks, had COVID after he played really well for the 70 minutes he played against PSG. He's not really played for Brazil.

"Brandon has been here and trained really well," he continued. "I'm starting to see the Brandon I saw last season, which I have to see more. If he keeps doing what he did last season, he'll be fine, and he's done really well."

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a freelance journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

@DanMarland_