DEAD UNITED

Manchester United have revealed that an estimated 1,800 of its registered season ticket holders are actually dead. The fans are not cheering the Reds on from beyond the grave - their families have held on to the tickets so they would not lose a coveted seat at Old Trafford.

The club has now agreed to give the family members the chance to come clean. If they do, they will get to keep the season ticket in their own name.

Paddy Harverson, the club's director of communications, said it was about taking a "common sense" approach to the issue.

"We want to give those fans who have season tickets in other names to go legit," he added.

"Season ticket holders can change the name on the ticket and we will turn a blind eye.

"It is the right thing to do, but it is difficult for those who are waiting for season tickets."

Mr Harverson added the amnesty was designed to strike a balance between recognising the strong family support the club has, whilst not alienating people in the queue for the sought-after tickets.

"It is quite common for clubs - particularly the bigger ones - for season tickets to be very much sought after and families like to hand them down like heirlooms because they are so valuable," he added.

"We want to take a common sense approach." (Well there's a first time for everything)