Manchester United are considering an appeal against a £20,000 fine for "poaching" a Bolton schoolboy player.

The Football Association imposed the penalty after finding United guilty of an illegal approach to 17-year-old Oldham associated schoolboy forward David Brown.

The teenager joined Oldham's Centre of Excellence as a 10 year old and signed schoolboy forms when he was 14 but he shocked the Boundary Park club by leaving them to join Manchester United.

Brown is the former Greater Manchester under 16s captain and was listed on United's books.

Just over two weeks ago United were found guilty of the same offence involving Arsenal's Matthew Wicks.

But they escaped punishment when the son of former Chelsea defender Steve Wicks returned to Highbury.

In the latest case United must pay the hearing costs and agree compensation with Oldham for Brown whose signature could eventually cost up to £100,000. "We don't want to say much at this stage as we are considering an appeal," confirmed Old Trafford chairman Martin Edwards.

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