One of the world’s biggest football clubs has been hit by a cyber attack.

But Manchester United says that their staunch cyber security systems means data has not been stolen.

With fans all over the world and thousands of season ticket holders, the Old Trafford based club holds a lot of information about their fans.

It appears that good data protection practices may have saved the club from a potential investigation by the Information Commissioner and possible fine.

The club has taken swift action to contain the attack and is working with expert advisers to investigate the incident,” said a club statement.

They said that “extensive protocols and procedures” are in place for such incidents and they had “rehearsed the risk”.

“Our cyber defences identified the attack and shut down affected systems to contain the damage and protect data,” the statement added.

“We are not currently aware of any breach of personal data associated with our fans and customers. All critical systems required for matches to take place at Old Trafford remain secure and operational.”

United have informed the Information Commissioner’s Office and forensic tracing is being carried out in a bid to establish further detail about the attack.

On Saturday, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “We are aware and currently investigating a cyber-related incident at Manchester United Football Club.”