Manchester United insist they took the "strictest possible measures" to prevent Rangers fans from buying tickets in home sections at Old Trafford.

United beat Rangers 2-1 in the Europa League on Thursday night and the Scottish club were supported by a sold-out away section, but their fans also acquired tickets in the home section.

Footage of Rangers fans chanting in a home section concourse went viral before kick-off and United fans reported that stewards warned them of their presence around the stadium.

READ MORE: Police drafted in as thousands of Rangers fans descend on Manchester in chaotic scenes

READ MORE: OCG member exploded cash machines across the north west to steal thousands

It is prohibited for away fans to acquire tickets in home sections, and United's game against Galatasaray in the Champions League in October 2023 was marred by 2,000 away supporters surfacing in the home section, which forced the club's chief operating officer to issue an apology.

Now, United have responded to Rangers fans obtaining tickets in the home section and a club spokesperson said: "In anticipation of the risks around tonight’s game, we took the strictest possible measures to prevent sales to away fans in home areas

"Tickets were only allocated to people who existed on our database prior to the draw taking place in August. Hospitality tickets had the same restrictions applied.

"Tickets forwarded by season ticket-holders and members also had the same restrictions applied (i.e. they could only be forwarded to fans on our database prior to the draw).

"Whilst the unauthorised touting of tickets has become more difficult since our introduction of in-app digital ticketing, it cannot be completely eliminated.

"All examples of away fans in home areas will be investigated over the coming days, with the strongest possible sanctions taken against the registered holders."