Manchester United Reportedly Call in Pest Patrol to Cure Mice Infestation

Manchester United have reportedly turned to pest control in order to deal with consistent hordes of mice infesting Old Trafford.

As reported by Mike Keegan of the Mail Online, the Theatre of Dreams is one of only three Premier League grounds currently failing to receive full marks in its set of hygiene reports, the others being Stoke City's Britannia Stadium and Burnley's Turf Moor.

It is suggested the rodent problem has spread to the North and South stands, an annoyance rooted in the stadium's positioning along a canal. Keegan's report indicates Manchester United are "working with pest control contractors to monitor problems" which have allegedly plagued the building over the last decade.

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The Mail Online's full rundown of United's report can be seen below:

Keegan's article provides images of mice being spotted on the pitch during the 2006 FA Cup victory over Burton Albion. Snaps from the 2010 clash with West Ham and 2013 match against Arsenal also feature the pesky infiltrators, who continue to cause problems at one of the world's most famous stadiums.

Another example can be seen here:

A Red Devils spokesman addressed the ongoing issue, reported by Keegan:

"

Manchester United implements a robust pest control system throughout Old Trafford. As the report acknowledges, weekly checks are made in all catering areas and stringent measures are taken to ensure high levels of hygiene and cleanliness wherever food is stored, prepared and served. If incidences of this nature do occur at the stadium, immediate and appropriate action will be taken. 

"

Interestingly, the aforementioned report details individual problems found during inspections at each Premier League ground. A 100 percent score doesn't signal perfection, however, with minor problems still needing to be addressed across the country.

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For example, catering staff at Liverpool are said to have not cleaned their probe thermometer "effectively" between each use, while Arsenal's food staff "were spotted not changing gloves as often as they should." These are minor details, but no risks can be taken when thousands of people arrive each matchday.

Alongside United, Stoke are reportedly culpable for the most serious problem. "In 2012, inspectors found a dirty vacuum packer and received an allegation pies were left out of refrigeration the night before matches and heated up on matchday," writes Keegan. Burnley also failed to receive full marks, but details aren't available.

United's reported pest irritations are sure to have Internet dwellers scurrying to Photoshop ahead of an influx of memes being made. This is the kind of story which reminds supporters there's a functioning business to run behind closed doors, even if the social-media reaction is likely to produce images of Wayne Rooney riding a four-legged pest in front of the Stretford End.

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Louis van Gaal may entertain lining a handful of mice up in front of David de Gea, a particularly cheap way to deal with United's central defensive woes in the January transfer window.