United pull out of Pontins League

Manchester United are to quit the Pontins League this summer just one season after their return.

The move will also see the Red Devils abandon Altrincham’s Moss Lane ground as their reserve-team base in favour of Hyde United’s Ewen Fields stadium.

Alex Ferguson requested a return to the less prestigious second string league 12 months ago as he triedto work out the best way of giving the growing number of youngsters in his squad some meaningful match action.

The idea has worked to an extent, with United expected to tie up the title next month after the inclusion of Kleberson and David Bellion helped them move six points clear with a 3-2 win over Wrexham last night.

However, Ferguson has also accepted the standard and competitiveness of the league does not provide an ideal stepping stone towards first-team action.

It is now thought he will pursue a policy of loaning out some of his younger fringe men, as he has done already this season by letting Kieran Richardson join West Brom and Chris Eagles link up with Watford, meaning there is no longer a need for Pontins League action.

It is bad news for cash-strapped Altrincham, who will lose an estimated £20,000 (€29,000) a year from United.

But Ferguson has become increasingly frustrated at the state of the Moss Lane pitch and the recent postponement of a home encounter with Wolves signalled the decision to relocate to Hyde, who played host to Manchester City’s reserve side until the Blues’ move to the Regional Athletics Stadium.