Man Utd forced to find new hotel ahead of Tranmere win after Strictly stars including Stacey Dooley

MANCHESTER UNITED were forced to find a new hotel for their trip to Tranmere - after nifty footwork from Strictly Come Dancing stars meant The Lowry was booked up.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men had to get a quickstep on to find a local place as lowly League One Rovers stunned Watford in Thursday's FA Cup third-round replay.

And The Lowry, United's favourite pre-match haunt, was out of contention as Strictly presenter Stacey Dooley and the hit BBC show's dancing pairs had already made their move because Manchester hosts Strictly's two 2020 tour openers this weekend.

Solskjaer and Co were hoping a rare stay away from the plush hotel was not another jinx in a season blighted by injuries and erratic form.

United could barely pass a football let alone a Doble in Wednesday's 2-0 Premier League home defeat against Burnley.

But the change seemed to do some good as they avoided a banana skin and won 6-0.

United spent the night in Liverpool as they prepared for Sunday's FA Cup fourth round clash.

But it is also thought finding a last-minute alternative venue was also hit by a busy schedule for hotels.

In contrast, the smiling Strictly celebs popped out of the Lowry on Saturday looking as calm and polished as the Clarets' performance that destroyed United in midweek.

Documentary-maker  and show host Dooley, casually dressed in jeans and open-toe shoes gave a thumbs-up sign.

And Arsenal footballer Alex Scott wore a wide grin that perhaps might have been bigger still  if she had known the hotel predicament faced by the Gunners' big rivals United.

Russian Katya Jones, one of Strictly's best-known professional dancers, gave victory salutes with both hands.

And YouTuber Saffron Barker left holding the type of large bag United players usually depart the Lowry with - albeit hers was a designer number clearly too pristine to carry ghastly objects like football boots.

So while United face the music at Prenton Park - hoping to prove they are not jazz-beens - the Strictly squad are holding their first couple of tour dates at Manchester Arena in much higher spirits.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hints at new Man Utd signings after losing two games in a row

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