Manchester United have launched an investigation into claims
that their dressing room was bugged during the Premiership victory
over Chelsea.
Audio tapes apparently recorded at Old Trafford were obtained by
The Sun, which handed them to the club.
A club statement said: "We have launched our own investigation and
if necessary will involve the police."
The tapes apparently contain recordings of pre-match and half-time
team talks, plus celebrations after the 1-0 win.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson had been under pressure before the game
after United's 4-1 Premiership defeat to Middlesbrough and a 1-0
reverse to Lille in the Champions League.
On the tapes, Ferguson can reportedly be heard giving an
inspirational team talk to his players before the game, and then
issuing tactical advice at half-time when his side led 1-0.
In the wake of the victory, which ended Chelsea's 40-game unbeaten
run, United's players are recorded congratulating each other.
The tapes also feature the players' reactions to Ferguson's
post-match interview on television and then Chelsea boss Jose
Mourinho's.