AN independent estate agent – opened by Manchester United football manager Sir Alex Ferguson – has ceased trading leaving undisclosed debts, according to its owner.

Winners Estate Agents in College Street, Worcester, shut after the firm failed to meet its targets.

A notice has been posted on the company website saying the firm is now closed.

Patrick Kennedy, principal partner and owner, said the company stopped trading on Thursday, September 9, adding he “wasn’t willing to fund it anymore”.

Winners was set up with some fanfare in August 2007 when Manchester United boss Sir Alex opened the agent’s city branch.

Specialising in sales of luxury homes and property lettings, they aimed to have properties on their books from Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.

Mr Kennedy said a decision was taken to shut the company three months ago and all its listed properties had been moved “to another agent”.

He said neither an administrator nor a receiver had been instructed.

“Whether it opens again or not is still up for discussion, but if it does open again it will be without me,” he said.

“For three years the targets haven’t been met so I wasn’t willing to fund it anymore.

“If the present management wish to buy the company off me for £1 with its debts they can – but they haven’t made me an offer.”

He said “one or two companies that would like to be in Worcester” had also come forward.