Mouse infestation reported at Old Trafford

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Manchester United lost 2-1 to Swansea at the weekend. But much like Bank Holiday Monday, it never just rains – it pours.

The club’s glorious Theatre of Dreams has a mouse infestation. The little blighters just won't go away.

United has been delivered another blow from the council for failing to deal with a rodent issue. Inspectors reportedly found hordes of the pest scurrying around the stadium’s kitchens.

It’s not the first time the Red Devils has had to call in pest controllers. Contractors had to be called in to deal with rodents in the North and South stands in the past.

The Manchester Evening News writes that little mice have even been seen sniffling around the pitch in the past, and a new report from hygiene officials at Trafford Council notes the club has been “failing to implement” proper measures to combat the intruders.

“You are failing to implement adequate procedures to control pests within the food areas,” the council blasts.

“It is suggested that we arrange a meeting to discuss these requirements and the way forward.

“The doors from the Red Cafe into the kitchen have holes at the bottom and in the middle of the two doors and could allow pests into the food room. These doors should be repaired or replaced.

“The drain in the middle of the... back of the Red Cafe kitchen is not adequately covered to prevent pests gaining access to the kitchen via the drain.

“All food rooms should be inspected for possible pest entry points.”

It’s believed part of the problem is because Old Trafford is located close to the canal.

At a game against West Ham in 2010, a mouse was spotted darting about the turf.

While four years earlier, lower league outfit Burton Albion players complained of mice scampering about during an FA Cup tie.

Ryan Austin said after the game: “Every time I looked down, I saw a mouse. There were loads of them.”

MEN says the information on the ongoing issue with rodents was obtained through Freedom of Information requests.

Apparently United’s stadium team was also warned about storing raw meat next to cooked meat and bread rolls in the kitchen fridges.

Manchester United has yet to comment on the mice situation. Or its 4 out of 5 hygiene rating, which only Watford at Vicarage Road can also boast. Everyone else got 5.