Man Utd plan to chip players

John Scheerhout

MANCHESTER United stars could be fitted with a tiny microchip to help Sir Alex Ferguson track their movements on the pitch.

A chip the size of a grain of rice could be embedded just under the skin of stars including Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville.

Satellites would track its exact position so that United’s training staff can pinpoint players’ movements during a match or training.

United bosses today confirmed the technology was being considered although no decision had been taken.

But they rubbished reports of a revolt by players who are concerned they could be tracked off the pitch shopping or nightclubbing. It is believed the technology has been used in South America, where footballers have been kidnapped.

It has also been considered by the medical profession in the United States so doctors can access information if a patient is unconscious.