UEFA to investigate United v Liverpool chanting

Manchester United are to face a UEFA investigation following the "illicit chanting" that occurred during their Europa League tie with Liverpool earlier this month.

UEFA opted against sanctioning United following the first leg of the last-16 clash at Anfield, despite the club admonishing their own supporters after a section of the away following was heard singing songs making reference to the Hillsborough and Heysel stadium disasters.

European football's governing body did, however, charge both United - for crowd disturbances, the throwing of objects and stairways being blocked - and Liverpool - for illicit chants, setting off fireworks, throwing of objects, crowd disturbances and arriving late for kick-off - following last Thursday's fractious second leg at Old Trafford.

And, when contacted by Omnisport on Wednesday, UEFA confirmed its intention to also investigate United for the "illicit chanting" heard in both games.

A statement read: "UEFA has recently been made aware of several reports concerning alleged illicit chanting on the occasion of the UEFA Europa League ties between Liverpool FC and Manchester United FC of 10 and 17 March 2016.

"As a result, a UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector decided to investigate further and gather potential evidence. The two clubs have thus been asked to provide statements relating to the alleged incidents within 10 days."

A 1-1 draw at Old Trafford gave Liverpool a 3-1 aggregate victory and a place in the last eight, where they will face Jurgen Klopp's former club Borussia Dortmund.