Of mice and Man Utd... Old Trafford has been hit by a rodent infestation
Of mice and Man Utd... Old Trafford has been hit by a rodent infestation (Image: The FA via Getty Images)
Old Trafford has been plagued by a mice infestation ahead of Manchester United's Boxing Day clash with Wolves, causing their food hygiene rating to take a hit.
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 in a kiosk selling food to fans on a concourse, although neither location is where food is prepared.
The iconic stadium, originally built in 1910 and last renovated on a large scale in 2006, has seen an uptick in issues recently. United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has even commissioned a taskforce to consider the benefits of constructing a new stadium as Old Trafford begins to show its age. Frequent leaks are a common sight whenever Manchester experiences heavy rainfall.
Wolves fans will be relieved that the Boxing Day clash is at Molineux (5.30pm kick-off) - while also hoping the issue is resolved before the return fixture at Old Trafford on April 19 next year (3pm).
United officials are collaborating with pest control partners and Trafford council to address the issue. The problem is believed to be linked to Old Trafford's location between a canal and a railway line, which sees the pests seeking warmer and sheltered areas during the colder winter months, reports the Mirror.
Pest controllers are visiting the ground between four and five times a week, but United's food hygiene rating has plummeted from four stars to a mere two, significantly short of the maximum five-star rating. Most Premier League clubs boast flawless hygiene ratings, but United's was cut to just one star after guests at a private corporate event were served undercooked chicken.
The rating had been restored to four stars before mouse droppings were recently discovered. The club is reportedly eager to boost their rating to five 'as soon as possible'.
A spokesperson for United stated: "Manchester United implements a robust pest-control system throughout Old Trafford. 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 that United's hygiene rating has been reduced. A spokesperson for the council said: "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."