A growing number of players have started to wear the garment in an effort to keep their necks warm.

At Manchester City, former United striker Carlos Tevez is a fan, as is Italy striker Mario Balotelli.

But, at a time when match officials are sporting gloves and tracksuit bottoms, as all five did at Old Trafford for Tuesday's Champions League draw with Valencia, Sir Alex Ferguson has banned his players from wearing them in either games or training.

"U won't see a Man Utd player wearing a SNOOD," confirmed United defender Rio Ferdinand on his Twitter page.