Man Utd players in autograph ban

Fans can still ask for autographs on programmes or paper

Manchester United players are being banned from signing autographs - on anything except paper or programmes.

The club gave their stars the order in an effort to halt dealers who trade signed shirts or footballs over the internet.

Prized merchandise bearing the scribbles of players such as Roy Keane or Ryan Giggs can fetch more than £100.

However, a club spokesman said charities can still get items signed if they contact Old Trafford.

The ban applies only to the club's training ground, and to items such as footballs or shirts.

Players will still happily sign items for charity if people contact the club through official channels.

A club spokesman said: "We were seeing the same faces every day with loads of merchandise which they were getting signed.

"That is not the behaviour of a genuine fan - that's someone trying to make money.

"We have no issue with genuine fans and the players will continue to sign blank pieces of paper and programmes."