Manchester United have been hit by a mice infestation at Old Trafford, with the club's food hygiene rating plummeting as a result after the council were forced to take action
22:09, 23 Dec 2024
A mouse takes a walk on the pitch during the UEFA Europa League, League Phase football match between Manchester United and Bodoe/Glimt at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, north west England, on November 28, 2024. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
A mouse was seen on the pitch during match between Manchester United and Bodoe/Glimt at Old Trafford in November(Image: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United's Old Trafford has been plagued by a mice infestation, causing their food hygiene rating to take a hit.
The Red Devils' iconic stadium, originally built in 1910 and last significantly renovated in 2006, has seen an uptick in issues over the years. With United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe having set up a taskforce to consider the benefits of constructing a new stadium, Old Trafford is beginning to show its age.
Large leaks are a common sight whenever Manchester experiences heavy rainfall and a video from manager Ruben Amorim's press conference following Sunday's 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth showed water dripping from the ceiling. Now, Ratcliffe faces additional problems as health inspectors have discovered a mice infestation.
Old Trafford
Mouse droppings were found during a recent inspection (stock)(Image: The FA via Getty Images)
The Daily Mail reports that mouse droppings were found during a recent inspection. Evidence of mice activity was found in a ground level corporate suite and a kiosk selling food to fans on a concourse, although neither location is where food is prepared.
United officials are now collaborating with pest control partners and Trafford council to address the issue. The problem is believed to be connected to Old Trafford's location between a canal and a railway line, reports the Mirror.
The issue intensifies during the colder winter months, which drive the pests to seek warmth and shelter. Pest controllers are now visiting the renowned stadium four to five times a week.
Manchester United's food hygiene rating has plummeted from four stars to two, falling significantly short of the top rating of five, after mouse droppings were discovered at Old Trafford. Most Premier League clubs boast a perfect hygiene record.
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United had previously seen their rating drop to one star after serving undercooked chicken at a corporate event, before recovering to four stars. However, the recent findings have led to another downgrade.
The club aims to improve its rating to five as soon as possible. A spokesperson for Manchester United stated: "Manchester United implements a robust pest-control system throughout Old Trafford."
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"Multiple weekly checks are made in all catering areas and stringent measures are taken to ensure levels of hygiene and cleanliness are high wherever food is stored, prepared and served. If incidences of this nature do occur at the stadium, immediate and appropriate action is taken."
Trafford Council confirmed the reduced rating, with a spokesperson saying: "Our environmental health officers gave a food hygiene rating of two following a routine visit. We are now working closely with Manchester United to ensure it complies with the rating and carries out the necessary improvements."