They’ve lost the recipe for success on the pitch but Manchester United have hired a celebrity chef to cook half-time grub for well-heeled fans.
Michelin-starred Tom Kerridge’s five-course treat for the derby with Manchester City on Sunday, March 8 will set them back £2,000.
The package – including match ticket – features a champagne and canapés reception in the Number 7 lounge at Old Trafford.
There is an inclusive bar, offering Champagne, sommelier-selected wine, beer and premium spirits.
Afterwards fans can watch the game from the comfort of a luxury padded seat, with snacks, blankets and hot drinks available to take out into the cold.
Post-match afternoon tea is on offer, along with mobile cheese serving stations and vintage port.
Kerridge, 46, who has starred in his own BBC cookery show, says in an advertising blurb: “Having been a Man Utd fan my whole life, it’s amazing that fans can now enjoy my food when they come to Old Trafford!
"Come and join me at the Man Utd v Man City game.”
But fans responded sarcastically while others took a swipe at the club’s unpopular American owners the Glazer family.
One wrote: “At first I thought £1,666.67 (excluding VAT) was a little steep, then I saw you had the ‘mobile cheese service’. Fair.”
Another said: “If you were truly a United fan you wouldn’t assist the Glazers in forcing the working class fans out of our beautiful club with your ridiculous prices.”
A third post said: “Mate, that’s 4.25 months of rent for me, excluding VAT, how can someone who’s working class and loves food and United enjoy both?”
The package is likely to horrify no-nonsense ex-skipper Roy Keane, who famously branded the club’s tight-lipped corporate supporters as the “prawn sandwich brigade”.
The deal comes as Manchester United battle to avoid their lowest-ever Premier League points total.
The club – who have won 20 league titles – have suffered a series of shock reverses since legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
