Manchester United confirm cyber attack on IT system
Patrick Atack in London
Europe;
Manchester United is one of the biggest - and richest - football clubs in the world / Arcaid/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Manchester United is one of the biggest - and richest - football clubs in the world / Arcaid/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

One of the world's biggest football clubs, Manchester United, has confirmed it was the victim of a "cyber attack" on its IT system - although it was at pains to add that customer and fan information was safe, as the club was "not currently aware of any breach of personal data." 

Football in the UK is taking place 'behind closed doors' due to COVID-19 /Ash Donelon/ Manchester United via Getty Images

Football in the UK is taking place 'behind closed doors' due to COVID-19 /Ash Donelon/ Manchester United via Getty Images

In a statement posted on the club website late on Friday night, the Old Trafford side said the assault was "a sophisticated operation by organised cyber criminals," but the IT security protocols and technology in place shut down the systems under attack to protect data. 

Although the club in north west England said it had secured its data and customer details, it added that an investigation was under way and news of the breach had been sent to the Information Commissioner's Office, which regulates data protection in the UK. 

Along with the knowledge their personal and financial information is safe, fans will be encouraged that the team's Premier League match against West Bromwich Albion will go ahead as "All critical systems required for matches to take place at Old Trafford remain secure." 

Club statement from www.manutd.com

Club statement from www.manutd.com