Victor Lindelof's terrified wife and young children locked themselves in a room as
The terrified wife and young children of Manchester United star Victor Lindelof locked themselves in a room as intruders broke into their home, while he played in Wednesday's Premier League match against Brentford.
The player's partner, Daniela, and baby daughter, Alicia, were in the house when the burglary took place.
The Portugal international, 27, who lives in the suburbs of Manchester, posted a picture of himself on Instagram to document his wounds following the attack.
'Unfortunately today I was assaulted by four cowards who hurt me and tried to hurt my family,' he said.
'When you show resistance this is what happens. They managed to take all my jewellery and leave me with my face with this state.
'I don't know how there are people with such meanness. The most important thing for me is my family and luckily they are all OK.
'And after so many obstacles in my life, this is just one more than I will overcome. Firm and strong, like always.'
Maja Nilsson Lindelof was alone with their three-year-old boy Ted Louie and baby Francis when she realised someone was forcing their way into the house.
In an Instagram story, Lindelof's wife Maja said: 'During Victor's game this Wednesday night we had a break-in at our house in Manchester.
'I was home alone with both kids but we managed to hide and lock ourselves in a room before they entered our house.
'We are OK under the circumstances but it was obviously a very traumatic and scary moment for both and my little kids.
'We are now in Sweden and are spending some time off with our families.'
The centre back will be unavailable for United's fixture against West Ham tomorrow with the defender having returned to his homeland to be with his Maja.
Lindelof is the second player to be targeted by burglars in the north west in recent weeks.
In December, thieves broke into the home of João Cancelo, the Manchester City right back. They attacked him in front of his family and stole jewellery. The defender suffered cuts and bruises to his face in the incident, which police are investigating.
Lindelof was told of the terrifying ordeal after the match against Brentford in West London, which United won 3-1.
He spoke to manager Ralf Rangnick at length on the plane as they returned to Manchester with the rest of the squad.
Further conversations were held this morning and a decision was taken for Lindelof to be excused from training and from the next match against the Hammers, so he could return to Sweden.
The player was adamant he should be with his wife and children and Rangnick, a father himself, was supportive.
'I spoke with him at length on our flight back home from London and also this morning we spoke for about 20 minutes, 25 minutes,' said Rangnick, in a statement.
'He told me what had actually happened and that this was really a traumatic event, especially for his wife and even the three-year-old son.
'He said to me that he right now needs to stay at home.
'He doesn't want to leave his wife and his family on their own, which I can fully understand being a father of two children myself.
'We agreed that he will not be training today and also not be on duty tomorrow for the game.'
A United statement read: 'We can confirm that a break-in occurred at Victor Lindelof's house during the away game against Brentford.
'His family, who were at home at the time, were unhurt but clearly shaken. This was a distressing experience for them, and for Victor when he learned of it after the game, and the club is providing them with our full support.
'We encourage anyone with information about the crime to contact the police.'
Lindelof and his family have endured a tough few months.
The player was taken ill during a match at Norwich City in December. He clutched his chest on the touchline during the second half of the clash at Carrow Road.
Lindelof underwent a series of examinations after the game and he was fitted with a heart monitor, The couple were distressed in the wake of the episode with Maja admitting on Instagram that she had found it 'scary' to watch and her husband was 'very cut up afterwards',
'It was incredibly uncomfortable, especially when I did not get hold of him which I always manage to,' she added.
During the Christmas period, the couple's youngest son, Francis, spent time in hospital, according to the Sun, after contracting viral meningitis.
And the family's glitzy New Year's Eve celebrations were abandoned after Lindelof went down with Covid and was forced to isolate by himself on the third floor of their Manchester home.
'We were supposed to host a party for New Year's with all of our friends and I've bought everything from disco lights, hired a chef and got at least 50 helium balloons...' wrote Maja as she shared a picture of herself in a woollen jacket, yoga pants and wellies.
The attack on the Lindelof home is the latest in a series of burglaries that have targeted high-profile footballers.
City full-back Cancelo revealed his ordeal at the end of December.
The attack on the Lindelof home is the latest in a series of burglaries that have targeted high-profile footballers.
City full-back Cancelo revealed his ordeal at the end of December.
The player's partner, Daniela, and baby daughter, Alicia, were in the house when the burglary took place.
The Portugal international, 27, who lives in the suburbs of Manchester, posted a picture of himself on Instagram to document his wounds following the attack.
'Unfortunately today I was assaulted by four cowards who hurt me and tried to hurt my family,' he said.
'When you show resistance this is what happens. They managed to take all my jewellery and leave me with my face with this state.
'I don't know how there are people with such meanness. The most important thing for me is my family and luckily they are all OK.
'And after so many obstacles in my life, this is just one more than I will overcome. Firm and strong, like always.'
