The Manchester United fan who dialled 999 after witnessing his side crash out of the Capital One Cup has explained his actions.

Martin Davies, 56, called the police asking to contact former manager Sir Alex Ferguson after United lost on penalties in the semi-final last week.

"I was watching the game with a couple of friends," Davies told the Sunderland Echo. "One of them was a Manchester City fan so I was getting a bit boisterous. I guess I was goaded into ringing.

"It was a spur of the moment thing. I was upset as I've been a fan since I was six. They've become so erratic it's almost criminal. So I rang 999."

After the call, Greater Manchester Police advised fans not to contact the emergency services and instead contact Old Trafford if they wish to speak to Ferguson.