United programme sold for £4,300

The programme dates back to February 1910

A tatty programme for Manchester United's first match at Old Trafford - against Liverpool in 1910 - has reached £4,300 at auction.

The eight-page document exceeded its £3,500 guide price at Shropshire-based auction house Mullock Madeley's event held at Ludlow Racecourse on Thursday.

Auctioneer John Mullock said the item, dated 19 February, was sold over the telephone to a private buyer.

He said bidding for the rare item was "fast and furious".

"It features pictures of the United stars Meredith and Roberts together with descriptions of the new ground and the usual team line-ups.

"It marks a very important moment in the club's history.

"There is an ever-growing interest in collecting football programmes generally, and we expected this one to create considerable interest."