Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson wants a ceiling on admission prices for football matches.

Ferguson criticised London rivals, and Chelsea in particular, for bumping up prices when top clubs visit their grounds.

The Scot called on the Office of Fair Trading to act after hearing entry to Stamford Bridge can cost £85 when Manchester United visit.

"I believe there should be a ceiling on ticket prices," said Ferguson. "Ever since I have come down to England, I have never understood how teams in London are able to increase their ticket prices depending on who they are playing.

"That has been allowed to go on for 25 years - a quarter of a century. When Manchester United play Chelsea, I have heard that it can cost £85 for some parts of the Stamford Bridge ground.

"That should not be allowed. Why haven't the Office of Fair Trading done something about it? What the hell do they do?

"If some grocer puts his pound of sugar up a penny more than the guy next door he will probably get fined £3,000 or even closed down."

There were fears admission prices at Old Trafford would increase following the takeover by American tycoon Malcolm Glazer.

But Ferguson said: "Our prices have been probably averaging below the normal. The North West has always been cheaper."