Tickets in Sir Alex Ferguson's name have been involved in a touting operation, it has emerged.

Trafford magistrates' court yesterday heard that 16 tickets allocated to the Manchester United manager found their way into the touting operation outside Old Trafford, according to Manchester Evening News.

The tickets, which Ferguson said he had passed on to acquaintances, were confirmed to be valid by the club.

The four men running the operation received fines and banning orders.

"These men ran an efficient and highly organised illegal operation, selling much sought-after football tickets at greatly inflated prices to simply line their own pockets," Detective Constable Paul Walls told reporters.

"Manchester United has a global fan base and tickets quickly sell out for each and every game. They were all fully aware of this and used it to their advantage, charging some people as much as £200 for a single match.

"We worked closely with the club before, during and after our investigation and I know they view this organised crime operation as dimly as the police. I must also condemn those registered ticket holders who have allowed their tickets to be used in this scam, again for the sake of a few extra quid."

The Red Devils are now in second place on the Premier League table after Sunday's dramatic 6-1 defeat to local rivals Manchester City.