The 29-year-old was in a stable condition in hospital after being attacked overnight in Manchester, northwest England, and his injuries are not thought to be life threatening, the BBC reported.

He was stabbed in the hands, stomach and back in a nightclub, police sources said.

Championship side West Brom signed Wallwork from English Premiership giants United in July 2002 on a free transfer.

Wallwork is currently on loan at Championship strugglers Barnsley.

He signed an extension deal in May 2005 which ties him to West Brom until June 2007.

Wallwork helped keep the Baggies in the Premiership in the 2004-2005 campaign but could not prevent their relegation the following season.

He made 28 appearances for United between 1994 and 2002 and hit the headlines in 1999 while on loan at Belgian side Royal Antwerp.

Wallwork was handed a life ban by the Belgian football union for manhandling a referee, a sanction which was reduced on appeal to three years, two of them suspended.

He was reported to have grabbed referee Amand Ancion by the throat.