MANCHESTER: Manchester United have launched an investigation into how players’ boots were lost on the way to their Women’s Champions League qualifier in Norway, forcing them to scramble for new ones. The Red Devils had to buy a number of replacement boots and shin pads from a local shop hours before the first leg of their tie at SK Brann on Thursday, which they lost 1-0. Shop owner Andre Gullord told the BBC that the club had spent several thousand pounds. “We are a big store but they were very lucky we had enough boots in stock that were the right size,” Gullord said.

Whereabouts of footwear remain unknown as Marc Skinner’s side requires a second leg comeback against Norwegian side SK Brann

United were beaten 1-0 by Brann in the competition's third qualifying round, with Ingrid Stenevik scoring the only goal of the game.