Man United boss Ralf Rangnick gives his support to captain Harry Maguire after bomb threat

Ralf Rangnick has offered his support to Harry Maguire after the Manchester United captain and his family were the victims of a bomb threat.

Cheshire Police were called to Maguire's home on Thursday following the threat, and specially trained explosive dogs searched the garden and surrounding area.

Maguire has come in for fierce criticism from United fans and was even booed by England supporters on international duty last month.

Rangnick offered his sympathy to the 29-year-old defender and said he has the club's full support. 

'I haven't seen him because I only got to know about this terrible, terrible thing yesterday afternoon and I haven't been able to speak with him,' said United's interim manager.

'It's another bad sign of the crazy world we're living in. I feel sorry for Harry that he had that terrible experience. 

'He knows everyone is behind him – the club and his teammates. It's sad enough that crazy things like that happen.' 

Manchester United's interim manager Ralf Rangnick (right) has offered his backing for Harry Maguire (left) after the defender received a bomb threat to his home this week

Cheshire police with police dogs were sent to the England star's mansion where he lives with his fiancée Fern Hawkins (left) and their two daughters

Maguire, 29, lives with his fiancée Fern Hawkins and two young children in Wilmslow, Cheshire and a spokesman for him said on Thursday: 'In the last 24 hours, Harry has received a serious threat to his family home.

'The safety of his family and those around him is obviously Harry's number one priority. He will continue to prepare for this weekend's fixture as normal.'

Sniffer dogs conducted a search of the property, with Cheshire police saying: 'No evacuations took place, but as a precautionary measure a police explosives dog attended the address this afternoon to conduct a search of the gardens and surrounding area. No suspicious items were found.'  

Maguire has come in for repeated criticism from fans this season, and the threat was revealed a day after United suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat by Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday.

The incident occurred just days after the Red Devils' humiliating defeat against Liverpool 

Yet a source told The Sun on Thursday evening that Maguire believed the threat was the work of 'some cowardly fan.' 

The source said: 'Harry will not be forced out of Manchester United by this kind of threat.

'His No 1 priority will always be the safety of his family but he's also got the strength of character to deal with this. It looks like the work of some cowardly fan.

'If that proves to be the case, they are an utter disgrace to the name of this proud football club.'

The source talking to The Sun continued: 'It's really shaken them but they're all fine. Nothing is more important than the safety of his family and Harry will do anything to ensure that. 

Maguire has been heavily criticised by fans following poor performances this season

'The police carried out searches of the house which has hopefully made them feel a bit safer.'  

Maguire is likely to be involved when United travel to Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon in a match that could decide whether they finish in the top four and make the Champions League.

United are currently sixth in the table, three points behind Tottenham and Arsenal, who have a game in hand.