By Chris O'Brien
March 30 2005

Manchester United look set to pull out of the Pontins Holidays League Division One at the end of the season after only one year. The Red Devils returned to the Pontins Reserve system at the start of the season, and despite being in strong contention for the title, will not play on next season.

Only one year after reintroducing the Manchester United reserve team to the Pontin's Holiday League, the club is set to withdraw our second-string from the tournament as it is not thought to provide viable progression for players to make the step up to the senior squad.

The move is likely to dramatically axe a mammoth playing squad and wage bill. After the news that profits have fallen dramatically, this latest venture could be evidence that United now need to watch the financial situation despite still carrying the tag of the world's richest club. It is thought up to ten players could leave the club due to this change in competition entry.

"We made it clear when we went into the Pontins League this season that it was to cope with the number of professionals we had. But we don’t anticipate the squad being as large next season," said United director of communications Phil Townsend.

United currently top Pontins Holidays League Division One (West) and a 3-2 win over Wrexham thanks to a dramatic late comeback leaves them favourites to take the title despite a shock reverse at Stockport County last week. The competition has given out-of-favour players like David Bellion and Kleberson a chance for more competitive football, but it is not thought to be beneficial enough in developing young players at the club.

This leaves United, with a huge squad of young and fringe players, looking likely to loan out a number of players and perhaps offload some of the names unlikely to have an impact on the first-team in the foreseeable future. A mass exodus of players has already been predicted from both the senior and reserve squads over the summer.