Manchester United Handed Two-Star Hygiene Rating After Troubling Reports | OneFootball

Manchester United’s Old Trafford Given Two-Star Food Hygiene Rating: A Troubling Development

Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium, an iconic venue with a rich history, has recently been slapped with a two-star food hygiene rating after a disturbing report revealed the presence of mouse droppings in multiple hospitality areas. This revelation has undoubtedly raised questions not only about the club’s efforts to maintain cleanliness and safety but also about the impact it could have on their lucrative hospitality business. The findings were published in an official inspection report from Trafford Council, which was completed on April 16, 2025.

The Findings of the Report

The Trafford Council inspection uncovered significant hygiene issues in several hospitality areas of Old Trafford. Notably, mouse droppings were discovered in seven separate locations, including well-known areas such as the Ambassador Lounge, the Number 7 Suite, and the Devil’s Bar. While no droppings were found in food preparation areas, the presence of rodents in areas used for hospitality is undoubtedly concerning.

In addition to the rodent infestation, the report highlighted a number of other hygiene problems. One of the most alarming was the discovery of open condiment containers that exceeded the manufacturer’s recommended usage dates. In one case, a pesto container was found with a label indicating a ‘one-month’ usage limit, despite the manufacturer’s instructions advising it should be consumed within eight days. This lack of attention to food safety standards is troubling and raises concerns about the overall management of catering operations at such a high-profile venue.

Additionally, some areas of the stadium were criticised for failing to provide basic hygiene necessities such as hot water and soap. This further compounded the negative findings, highlighting a broader failure to uphold basic cleanliness in hospitality areas.

Manchester United’s Response

In response to the findings, a Manchester United spokesperson insisted that the club maintains a robust pest-control system and conducts multiple weekly checks in all catering areas. They assured the public that immediate and appropriate actions are taken if any issues are found. The spokesperson added that significant efforts were being made to eradicate the mice activity within the food areas, acknowledging the need to “persevere with the measures being implemented.”

However, these assurances come after a concerning history of food-related hygiene issues at Old Trafford. In December 2023, the club was awarded a one-star rating after a corporate event saw guests being served raw chicken. Prior to this, Old Trafford had enjoyed a five-star rating following a November 2023 inspection. Clearly, the club’s food safety record has been fluctuating, and the recent two-star rating suggests that improvements are still necessary.

Potential Impacts on Manchester United

The implications of a low food hygiene rating for Manchester United go beyond mere reputation. The club generates substantial revenue from hosting events and providing hospitality, particularly on matchdays. A poor rating could hinder the club’s ability to charge premium prices for hospitality services, which in turn could have a direct impact on their financial bottom line. Moreover, any continued issues with food safety could damage Manchester United’s image and fan trust.

As the report stated, any business given a low rating is required to make significant improvements to hygiene standards. Should Manchester United fail to meet these standards, further scrutiny could follow, and the club might find themselves facing additional challenges in restoring their food hygiene reputation.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From the perspective of a Manchester United supporter, this recent two-star food hygiene rating is nothing short of embarrassing. The fact that such a high-profile stadium, representing one of the biggest football clubs in the world, has been found with mouse droppings in hospitality areas is a slap in the face to the loyal fans and corporate guests who frequent Old Trafford. As fans, we expect the club to operate at the highest levels of professionalism, both on and off the pitch.

It’s bad enough that the club is underperforming on the field, with manager Ruben Amorim trying to steady the ship after a disastrous season. But now, the focus shifts to basic operational standards, and it’s difficult to see how the current management can justify these hygiene lapses. The fact that Manchester United had a one-star rating just months ago after raw chicken was served to guests suggests systemic problems in food safety protocols. Fans are rightly furious that the club, despite its resources, seems incapable of maintaining even basic hygiene standards.

This could have a lasting impact on the club’s image, especially when competing with other top clubs that consistently uphold high standards. A two-star food hygiene rating is simply not good enough for a club of Manchester United’s stature, and it’s time for the powers that be to take a long, hard look at the operations behind the scenes. We’ve seen some improvements in the team under Amorim’s guidance, but it seems the real work may need to happen in areas off the pitch as well.