London, Apr 26 : Manchester United has stepped up security in their Champions League and Premier League run-ins in order to protect players from food sabotage.

Old Trafford chiefs are so scared that their players could be the victims of food poisoning that they are sending their chefs, together with their own security guard, to all away visits.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson, himself something of a food and wine expert, vividly recalls how Tottenham players mysteriously became violently ill just before their vital last game of the season against West Ham three years ago.

It cost them fourth place and a Champions League spot, The Daily Star reports.

Current United midfielder Michael Carrick was one of the victims who could hardly move after getting the bug.

He has reminded Sir Alex that conspiracy theories were going round at the time about deliberate food poisoning.

Despite the Health Protection Agency ruling the bug was not caused by food poisoning at their hotel, United officials are not taking any chances and are now making sure their own team cooks prepare all their meals.

A source said: "There are some absolutely vital games coming up for United both in the Champions League and the Premier League.

"Club officials are determined to do everything in their power to make sure the team do not fall victim to any sort of illness, whether it is deliberate or not. That means our chefs accompany us on all our journeys and cook for the entire squad.

"There were all sorts of rumours going around at the time about foul play before the Spurs v West Ham game," the source added. (ANI)