Manchester United have taken new measures to improve security as fans threaten further protests this week.
A new, more imposing, barrier has been installed at the entrance of their Carrington training base and the number of security guards has been increased nearly tenfold to the amount on duty last month.
United have had to act amid increased threats from supporters who are planning a second protest before Thursday’s rearranged match with Liverpool at Old Trafford.
The Premier League has rescheduled the game for an 8.15pm kick-off in the hope it will act as a deterrent to fans planning to protest.
Thousands of United fans gathered outside Old Trafford last Sunday to voice their opposition to the Glazer family’s ownership while hundreds congregated outside the team’s hotel at The Lowry, where United’s coaches were unable to leave for the stadium.
It followed on from a small group of protesters entering United’s AON training complex last month and attacking the home of executive vice chairman Ed Woodward.
The new barrier was installed at Carrington this week after United’s first team staff had left for their Europa League tie with Roma.
The details and timings of the players’ departure for the airport on Wednesday was kept a close secret to avoid information being leaked to groups determined to disrupt their trip to Italy.
The number of security guards has also increased to around 50 who now monitor the club’s facilities around the clock.