Cheshire Police attended the address, but the suspects had already left by the time officers arrived. Police subsequently discovered that the property had been burgled, and that a "number of items had been stolen".
A force spokesperson told The Sun: "At around 8.30pm on Wednesday 21 October, police were called to reports of suspicious activity at an address in the Alderley Park area of Nether Alderley.
"The caller reported three unknown men in the rear garden of a neighbouring property. Officers attended the scene and on arrival there was no trace of the suspects.
"However, officers discovered that there had been a burglary at the address and a number of items had been stolen."
picture
'We have to be more brave' - Fernandes says lack of press is down to staff
Video credit: TNT Sports
The burglary is the latest in a series of incidents involving the homes of prominent footballers in the Cheshire area.
The home of Manchester City's Ruben Dias was previously targeted while the midfielder was away for a Champions League fixture against Galatasaray in January.
picture
'It blows my mind' - Cole calls Man United 'an absolute mess'
Video credit: TNT Sports
The break-in came during a turbulent evening for Fernandes, whose United side suffered a 4-1 defeat against Como in the Champions League.
After the match, the United captain questioned the team’s tactical approach under head coach Michael Carrick.
"It’s a decision from the staff to not press man-to-man, and sometimes leave space behind and try to get the ball," Fernandes told TNT Sports. "But, sometimes, when you give too much the ball to these teams, they get confidence."
His comments prompted debate over his relationship with Carrick, and the responsibilities of senior players during a difficult period for the club.
picture
Berbatov unhappy with Man Utd display at Como: ‘It was men versus kids’
Video credit: TNT Sports
However, United have reportedly decided that Fernandes will retain the captaincy, and will not face disciplinary action, over his post-match remarks.
It remains unclear whether he will feature in Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, former United striker Wayne Rooney has voiced strong concerns about the club’s performances and the public criticism directed at its leadership.
Speaking on the United Stand podcast, the former England striker said he understood why Fernandes’ comments had attracted attention, but argued that players needed to accept greater responsibility for results.
picture
Highlights: Man Utd THRASHED in Italy by sensational Como
Video credit: TNT Sports
Rooney was particularly critical of what he saw as a pattern of players shifting blame towards coaches and club officials rather than addressing their own performances.
"When Martinez came out, I said, 'this is an absolute nightmare', because it would rip the dressing room apart," United's all-time leading goalscorer said.
"That was the start. We’ve seen it now with Bruno, and you’re going to see it with more players, because they don’t want to take responsibility."
He added that the issue went beyond whether Fernandes was right to question Carrick’s tactics, arguing that the squad had to respond collectively on the pitch."
Rooney added: "These players, they’re selfish. They don’t care about their team-mates, don’t care about the manager, the staff or the fans, they care about themselves," Rooney added.
"If they’re not getting what’s right for them, they’re like babies and just throw their toys out of the pram and go and deflect the blame on to anyone else but themselves."
Download the TNT Sports app on iPhone and Android.
Watch and stream the Premier League, men's and women's FA Cups, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live with TNT Sports on HBO Max.