Man United bans players from signing autographs

MANCHESTER, England (AP) -Manchester United has banned its players from signing autographs for fans at the team's training ground.

The decision was communicated to fans in the matchday magazine for Saturday's 2-1 win over Blackburn.

"I offer apologies to fans who come to the Carrington training ground looking for autographs, because we have had to ask players not to stop and sign your books,'' United manager Alex Ferguson wrote. "The problem is that we have had too many opportunists selling on signed merchandise. They are not fans at all, and we have taken this action in order to stop the practice.

"We hope that you understand our decision.''

Five years ago, United imposed a similar ban, which was primarily aimed at sports memorabilia dealers.