Manchester United players are used to hitting the jackpot on the field but now the Red Devils will get the chance to shine on the casino floor.

According to newspaper reports the Premier League Champions are organising a casino party for Christmas with central defender Rio Ferdinand being the main instigator.

There will be strict security at Manchester’s new 235 casino and even the manager Sir Alex Ferguson will not be allowed to attend.

England International Ferdinand is understood to have collected £4,000 from each player to pay for the night.

So strict are the rules governing the Christmas bash that player’s wives such as Colleen Rooney will not be allowed to attend. According to tabloids 100 of Manchester’s most glamorous ladies will be recruited to keep the football stars entertained.

A United insider told the Daily Mail newspaper: "The party is for players and invited guests only, strictly no wives, girlfriends or management.

"The lads are employing someone to handpick females to attend. There are strict instructions that only the best-looking girls in Manchester are to be invited."

The source added: "Guests will not be permitted to take mobile phones into the party venue. A team of at least eight security men have been employed to ensure that the rule is adhered to and that the night runs smoothly and without any unwanted guests."

While the night is expected to provide light hearted fun for the multi millionaire players there will no doubt be intrigue regarding star striker Wayne Rooney.

Last year it was reported that the 22 year old Liverpudlian ran up gambling debts of £700,000 as part of a secret England betting ring which included other well known gamblers such as Michael Owen, John Terry and Frank Lampard.

Also involved in that ring was Rio Ferdinand who openly admits to being a keen poker player. Indeed Ferdinand, Wes Brown, Rooney and Phil Bardsley (now on loan at Sheffield United) frequently meet up for late night poker sessions according the Daily Mirror newspaper.

The Casino night is expected to go ahead on December 17th and the venue will be closed to the public for three hours while the players wine, dine and gamble inside.

Print version