Manchester United 'remove Old Trafford from 2015 Rugby World Cup'

Manchester United have reportedly refused to allow organisers to host matches during the 2015 Rugby World Cup at Old Trafford.

The North-West venue was expected to be used for three games during the tournament in two years' time, but United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is said to be concerned about the state of the pitch.

United want to pull their home ground out of the competition, which has prompted England 2015 to hold talks with Manchester City over using the Etihad Stadium, according to Sky Sports News.

A tournament schedule is expected to be completed at some point this month.