Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium has been hit by a mouse infestation, resulting in a sharp decline in its food hygiene rating.
Hygiene inspectors recently discovered mouse droppings during a routine visit, leading to the stadium’s hygiene rating being slashed from four stars to just two, far below the maximum five stars.
The inspectors found evidence of mouse activity in several areas, including corporate suites on the ground level and a food kiosk on the concourse.
In response to the findings, Manchester United officials have partnered with pest control experts and the local council to address the problem. Measures are being put in place to eliminate the mice and improve cleanliness at the stadium.
The location of Old Trafford, nestled between a canal and a railway line, is believed to contribute to the rodent issues.
In 2015, it was reported that the club had been working with pest control contractors to tackle similar problems in the North and South stands, where rodents had even been spotted in staff offices.
Winter months tend to exacerbate the issue, as colder weather drives the pests towards warmer, sheltered areas. With an average attendance of around 74,000 spectators per home game, the large crowds also generate significant waste, which further attracts rodents.
Pest control teams are now said to be visiting Old Trafford as often as four to five times a week. This issue adds to a list of ongoing maintenance problems at the stadium, which was originally built in 1910. Recently, fans and staff were also shocked to witness water leaking from the roof during a press conference following Manchester United’s 3-0 loss to Bournemouth.
While most Premier League clubs boast five-star hygiene ratings, United’s rating has seen a dramatic drop, with reports of even more serious concerns, such as uncooked chicken being served at a corporate event, which caused their rating to fall further in the past.
The club is now under pressure to swiftly address both the pest problem and the broader maintenance issues at the iconic stadium.
