MANCHESTER United has banned a host of legends from sitting in the stands at games - while they are representing the club as ambassadors.

Seven former stars have been told by United chiefs they are no longer allowed to take up seats at Old Trafford.

Instead the group, including Norman Whiteside and Jimmy Greenhoff, are left to watch games on TV in a lounge with no view of the pitch.

One former great branded the move pathetic and bewildering. He says the club has threatened to sack old players trying to watch from the stands.

The legend, who did not want to be named, said: "They've told them that because they are match day staff and not guests they are not allowed to watch the game.

"Why would they stop the players watching football? It's pathetic and I don't understand the mentality. They are treating them like schoolchildren."

The Reds employ former stars to mix with corporate clients in plush hospitality suites. In previous seasons they have been allowed to take up empty seats before kick off. But they have now been instructed to stay inside before returning to the groups to give their expert opinion.

The M.E.N understands the move does not affect stars who work in boxes belonging to club sponsors like Nike and AIG - such as Denis Irwin, Lou Macari and Arthur Albiston. But those who work in suites hired by non-sponsors, such as Alex Stepney, David Sadler, Stuart Pearson, Jimmy Greenhoff, Lee Martin, Norman Whiteside and Frank Stapleton, all miss out.

The legend who spoke out believes the move is one of many that is alienating staff at Old Trafford.

He said: "It sounds like there's something different every week. I think someone there does not understand football."

United officials have said that safety concerns are on of the reasons behind the move because former stars have been blocking gangways.

But the legend said: "I don't believe that for a minute. When I've been I've never seen any problems."

A United spokesman admitted the change had been made. He said: "Yes, they are not allowed to watch the game any more. There are not enough seats left and previously some have been standing in the gangways.

"There have been situations where fans have turned up abd they have been in their seats and had to move, so there's been a clampdown. It's just easier to do things this way."

A City spokesman said that at Eastlands former Blues heroes who perform similar roles are allowed to watch matches from the stands. He added they are also entitled to bring a guest.