PREMIERSHIP leaders Manchester United lost an appeal yesterday to the English FA over an illegal approach to a young player with a neighbouring club. They must now pay a £20,000 fine imposed at the original hearing in January and also compensation to first division club Oldham.

David Brown, 17, was a schoolboy player with Oldham before moving to United last year. He is still with the Manchester club and is the leading scorer in their B team with 13 goals.

The January verdict came two weeks after United were censured by the FA following a similar ease involving a junior player with Premiership rivals Arsenal.

United director Maurice Watkins presented yesterday's appeal, claiming their approach to Brown was within the rules. After the decision, he said "There was no suggestion of any wrongdoing by United. It is how the rules are interpreted and we felt we had put forward a good, sound argument. We felt we were working within the rules and are disappointed with today's result."

United, who will also have to pay the costs of the original hearing and the appeal, will be told the amount of compensation they must pay Oldham next month.