UNITED are facing the prospect of legal action from their own fans over the controversial 'automatic cup scheme' (ACS).

The scheme, which makes it compulsory for fans to buy tickets for all cup games at Old Trafford, had previously been obligatory only for new season-ticket holders.

For the first time this summer, it has been extended to the remaining 25% of existing season-ticket holders who have not previously signed up.

In a campaign such as that just ended, when United played 10 cup games at home, it would add a minimum of £390 to the cost of the most expensive season ticket next season, even if the supporter was a 'One United' member.

Even though price rises for 2007-08 have touched 14% in some areas of Old Trafford, United have received many more complaints about the ACS.

Now the Manchester United Supporters' Trust (MUST) are taking up the argument.

Clarification

MUST have already engaged a leading legal firm to act on their behalf and should their demand for United to withdraw the compulsory ACS for existing season-ticket holders not be met, they intend to pursue the matter through the courts.

"As a first step, our lawyers will be writing to the club asking for clarification because of the confused signals coming out of the club over this issue," said a MUST statement.

"If the club confirms to us through our lawyers that the ACS is now compulsory for all season-ticket holders, we will be exploring with them the possibility of season-ticket holders, who have been disadvantaged in this way, taking legal action individually or as a class."

Whether MUST are successful in their quest is open to considerable doubt. As an autonomous company, United can presumably charge what they like for a ticket and insert any clauses they wish.

As Old Trafford continues to sell out for every Premiership game, despite an expanded 76,000 capacity and there remains a 14,000-strong waiting list for season tickets, the club are certainly in a position of strength.

But the row proves there is still an undercurrent of unhappiness with the Malcolm Glazer regime, even if the financial situation at United looks somewhat rosier than it appeared when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner completed his controversial £800million takeover two years ago.