An original Manchester United stadium sign, stripped from Old Trafford’s Stretford End in 1992, is headed to auction with a £60,000 guide price. Graham Budd auctioneers confirmed former manager Sir Matt Busby authorised the private seller to remove the sign. The 16‑letter plaque, each 3ft high, lacks its former neon glow for fans and collectors.

Alongside the plaque, a pair of Cristiano Ronaldo’s golden Nike Vapor boots, worn in 2004, will also go under the hammer. The boots were reportedly tossed into a bin after a training session and later retrieved by cleaner Tony Heywood, who served United for 46 years. Budd lists a £15,000 guide price for the collectors and memories.

The auction will take place in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, on 28 April, drawing interest from club historians and memorabilia enthusiasts alike. The sign’s removal marked a shift in Old Trafford’s aesthetic, while the boots symbolize a fleeting moment when a superstar discarded gear in frustration. Both items offer a tangible link to United’s storied past today.

Budd’s catalogue notes that the sign’s letters are in various states of condition and lack the original neon tubes. Potential buyers will need to weigh restoration costs against the historical value. The sale underscores how even modest memorabilia can command significant attention from dedicated collectors and heritage within football culture in the world of sport.