In a shocking turn of events, Manchester United’s iconic Old Trafford stadium finds itself grappling with an alarming rodent problem and persistent roof leaks. The century-old football mecca, revered by fans worldwide, has seen its food hygiene rating plummet in the wake of these unseemly revelations.
A Mousy Menace
It appears that while devoted supporters shell out hefty sums to witness their heroes in action, clever mice have discovered a way to sneak into Old Trafford free of charge. The unwelcome guests left behind some unappetizing presents for the food hygiene inspector to uncover:
- Mouse droppings found in a food kiosk and corporate suite
- Food preparation areas and kitchens were clear of droppings
- United has a pest control contract and is seeking additional assistance
The club, which serves over 250,000 meals each season, saw its rating sink to a dismal two stars out of five. While the kitchens remained unscathed, the presence of droppings in areas where fans purchase food is cause for serious concern.
When It Rains, It Pours
As if the rodent issue weren’t enough, the Red Devils are also contending with a leaky roof. Manager Ruben Amorim’s post-match press conference was rudely interrupted by water dripping from the ceiling, a scene that has become all too familiar at Old Trafford.
Water is frequently seen pouring through the roof, and videos on social media showed it running under seats during a home game against Arsenal last season.
The persistent leaks have left fans and pundits questioning the state of the stadium’s infrastructure. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a British billionaire with a substantial stake in the club, is reportedly weighing whether to renovate Old Trafford or construct an entirely new stadium to address these embarrassing issues.
A History of Hygiene Horrors
Sadly, this is not the first time Manchester United has faced a hygiene scandal. Just last year, the club saw its rating slashed to a single star after raw chicken was served to corporate clients. Though they managed to claw their way back to a four-star rating, the discovery of mouse droppings has once again tarnished their reputation.
A club spokesperson assured fans that rigorous pest control measures are in place and that immediate action is taken whenever incidents occur. However, the repeated nature of these problems suggests that a more comprehensive approach may be necessary to protect the health and safety of Old Trafford’s patrons.
A Call to Action
As one of the most celebrated clubs in world football, Manchester United has a responsibility to maintain the highest standards both on and off the pitch. The current state of Old Trafford is simply unacceptable for a team of their stature and resources.
It is imperative that the club’s leadership takes swift and decisive action to address these issues head-on. Fans deserve a stadium that is not only a source of pride but also a safe and hygienic environment in which to enjoy the beautiful game.
The time has come for Manchester United to invest in a comprehensive overhaul of Old Trafford, whether through extensive renovations or the construction of a state-of-the-art new stadium. Only by taking bold steps can they hope to restore the lustre to their tarnished image and ensure a brighter future for this storied club.
