Manchester United's dressing room was reportedly bugged in a major security breach when they visited Aston Villa in the Premier League last weekend. Villa have launched an investigation after a fan managed to evade staff to set up a device inside United's dressing room.
According to The Sun, the individual - who is claimed to be a Red Devils fan - hid a phone inside the away dressing room at Villa Park two days before the game took place on October 6. They allegedly used a device where a microphone can be activated by calling it from another phone.
It was taped out of sight of any of United's players or staff and the fan dialled in only when he knew head coach Erik ten Hag would be present. Villa are said to have launched an investigation immediately after being made aware of the security breach. The individual even had the courage to collect the device the next day.
The report claims that Ten Hag's team talk, including detailed player instructions, are audible in the recording. The Dutchman was desperate to avoid another Premier League defeat following the 3-0 thrashing by Tottenham the week before.
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The ruse is understood to have been undertaken by a prankster with little interest other than hearing what Ten Hag had to say to his players ahead of the match. However, it places fresh scrutiny on the security of Premier League players and coaches following a spate of successful pranks.
In May, United were targeted by YouTuber Lizwani who managed to sneak onto the team bus after the club's 4-0 battering against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Lizwani managed to find a seat before he was eventually removed.
Premier League clubs were subsequently warned to watch out for similar stunts. They have been told that they are mostly being carried out by views-hungry social media stars.
United stuttered to a goalless draw with Villa, leaving Ten Hag fighting for his long-term future at Old Trafford. The match came at the end of a week in which the 54-year-old was saved by an stoppage-time Harry Maguire header, salvaging a 3-3 Europa League stalemate with Porto.
Ten Hag was pleased with the performance against Villa and is expected to be in charge when United welcome Brentford to Old Trafford on October 19. In the corresponding fixture last season, the Red Devils required a late brace from Scott McTominay to seal a dramatic late win.
United chiefs are widely reported to have discussed Ten Hag's future this week but could not agree on a potential succession plan. Thomas Tuchel has been linked with the job, but is also one of the favourites to become the new England head coach.
