Manchester United’s food hygiene rating takes hit after mice infestation

Manchester United are working to tackle an infestation of mice at Old Trafford.

The news, as reported by the Daily Mail, is the latest problem to hit the stadium and has seen the club’s food hygiene rating drop to two stars out of a possible five.

The United hierarchy is currently exploring whether to redevelop Old Trafford or build a new stadium, and recently asked fans to complete a survey on the future of the ground.

The first conceptual plans for a potential new, 100,000-seater stadium were released in September, alongside plans for the regeneration of the area around the stadium.

Early estimates suggest the regeneration works could boost the local economy by up to £7.3billion.

But the club has come under plenty of criticism in recent months for the current state of the stadium, with the owners having avoided making any major improvements. This came to a head in May, when a storm caused the roof to leak during a defeat to Arsenal.

On the latest development, a club spokesperson told the Mail: “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.”

A spokesperson for Trafford 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.”

Additional reporting by PA