 Eagles joined Watford on loan |
Manchester United are to quit the Pontins League this summer just one season after their return. The move will also see them abandon Altrincham's Moss Lane ground as their reserve-team base in favour of Hyde United's Ewen Fields stadium.
Sir Alex Ferguson requested a return 12 months ago as he tried to give his youngsters some meaningful games.
However, Ferguson has also accepted the standard does not provide an ideal stepping stone towards the first-team.
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.
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 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.
MMIX
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