Manchester United dealt with MICE surprise! Pest control called to squash rodent problems at Old Trafford

Manchester United are dealing with a mice infestation at Old Trafford.

A hygiene report, seen by Sportsmail, has revealed the club are working with pest control contractors to monitor problems with rodents in the North and South stands.

And it is understood that the pest problem had spread to various other parts of the Theatre of Screams with rodents even spotted in staff offices.

‘They’re a nightmare and they struggle to get rid of them,’ a source said.

The issue is thought to be historical and linked the the famous stadium’s canalside location.

In 2012 a similar report identified issues with mice in the staff canteen in the Stretford End while in 2010 a mouse was snapped scurrying over the hallowed turf during United’s victory over West Ham.

In 2006 after their FA Cup defeat Burton Albion players complained that there were mice all over the pitch.

The report, carried out last year, tells staff to ‘continue to act on the recommendations of the pest control contractor in connection with the mice activity’. It also advises them to make sure no food or waste is left out.

United say they carry out weekly checks and carry out ‘immediate and appropriate action’ if mice are spotted.

A spokesperson for the club said: ‘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.’

Sportsmail obtained the latest two hygiene reports from each Premier League ground they revealed a series of issues – although most were given top ratings.

Mould was found in ice machines at Aston Villa and Swansea City while Villa were advised that they did not have enough female stewards working on matchdays and told to keep an eye out for female fans smoking in the Holte End toilets.

Both reports, however, gave the Birmingham club a 5/5 rating.

At Anfield in 2014, inspectors found probe thermometers (used to check temperatures of pies) were not being cleaned effectively between use and Liverpool were told to provide wipes.

In a late 2013 report Arsenal were told that some concessions staff at the Emirates were not changing gloves as often as they should while at Leicester the same year inspectors found old droppings in the walk-in chiller. The club was told to remove them and disinfect the floor and the latest report gave them a clean bill of health and a 5/5 rating.

In 2012, Stoke City were found to be using the same vacuum packer for raw and cooked foods at the Britannia Stadium. The Potteries club were warned about cross-contamination. Inspectors also received an allegation that pies were left out of refrigeration the night before matches and heated on match day but found no evidence to support the allegations.