Gill's house vandalised by angry United supporters

Manchester United's chief executive, David Gill, who was publicly opposed to the Glazer family's takeover at the club, has had his house attacked by supporters angered by his recent positive comments when unveiling record profits.

Gill returned from a business trip yesterday morning to find that his £700,000 detached house in the Cheshire village of Bowden had been subjected to a graffiti attack while he had been away. The slogans "Judas Gill" and "Glazers Out" were painted on the walls. United would not discuss the issue last night and it is understood that work was under way to remove the graffiti. It is also understood that Gill's assertion, in the light of last week's record profits, that the Americans had been as good as their word in bringing commercial acumen to the club, may have led to the attack.

"The owners have let us get on with it, only getting involved in areas where they feel they are able to bring their expertise, such as in commercial and sponsorship deals," Gill said last week. "There will always be people who won't accept them, even if we were to win three European Cups on the bounce."

Meanwhile, it emerged yesterday that Paul Scholes could make an unexpectedly early return in next Saturday's FA Cup tie with Spurs. The 33-year-old midfielder, who has not figured since October, is set to resume full training on Thursday after a knee operation.

Assistant manager Carlos Queiroz said: "We are very pleased with the situation and maybe he can play in the FA Cup. It is a possibility he could be on the bench.I think he can start to smell he is coming back to the team."

There is more frustration for Gary Neville, who will sit out the match against Reading today because of an ankle injury. Defender Wes Brown also comes into contention today after a suspension. But Louis Saha is unlikely to be risked as he recovers from a knee problem.