While matchday punters pay huge sums to see their heroes, it seems rodents have found a way to get into Old Trafford for free, leaving behind Christmas gifts for the food hygiene inspector to find.

Manchester United’s food hygiene rating tumbled to two stars out of five on the most recent inspection, after mouse droppings were found in a kiosk that sells food to fans and a ground-level corporate suite.

However, food preparation areas and kitchens were clear of droppings during the inspection of the world-famous football ground, which feeds more than a quarter of a million people each season.

The club has a contract with pest controllers, and has solicited further help to get rid of the visitors, who were more unwelcome than Bournemouth fans after a 3-0 home defeat on Sunday.

But mice are not the only problem with the century-old ground, as demonstrated by the post-match press conference held by the club’s manager, Ruben Amorim, which was interrupted by water dripping from the ceiling.

Water is frequently seen pouring through the roof, and videos on social media showed it running under seats during a home game against Arsenal last season.

The British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who owns a 28.94% stake in the club through his Ineos Group, is exploring whether to revamp Old Trafford or build a new stadium altogether.

It is not the first time United has had its hygiene ratings slashed. Last year, raw chicken being served to corporate clients led to its five stars being cut to just one. By November, it had managed to increase its rating to four, before the mouse droppings were discovered during the most recent inspection.

A spokesperson for the club said: “Manchester United implements a robust pest-control system throughout Old Trafford.

“Multiple weekly checks are made in all catering areas and stringent measures are taken to ensure levels of hygiene and cleanliness are high wherever food is stored, prepared and served. If incidences of this nature do occur at the stadium, immediate and appropriate action is taken.”

A spokesperson for Trafford council said: “Our environmental health officers gave a food hygiene rating of two following a routine visit. We are now working closely with Manchester United to ensure it complies with the rating and carries out the necessary improvements.”