Budd said Ronaldo’s gold Nike Vapor boots, which he wore in 2004, were “retrieved” by cleaner Tony Heywood “from the bin after a training session”.

Heywood was a cleaner with the club for 46 years.

The stadium sign features the 16 letters spelling out “Manchester United”, which are each 3ft (91cm) high, as well as 12 smaller white letters, which spell out “football club”.

Budd said the letters did not have neon tubes, which had previously lit up the sign, and they were in “various states of condition”.

Both items are due to be sold under the hammer at an auction in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, on 28 April.