A football fan on his way home from a Manchester United game died after being knocked down by a gang trying to steal his car, police said yesterday.

Glynn Davies, 46, from Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, had watched his team coast to a 5-0 victory over the Hungarian champions Zalaegerszegi on Tuesday night. But as he collected his car at 10.30pm he was approached by up to five men who tried to steal the vehicle, knocking him to the floor when they tried to drive off. Mr Davies became trapped under the Ford Mondeo and was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives launched a murder investigation yesterday as Mr Davies' brother, who was believed to have been working in London, travelled to Manchester to identify him.

Mr Davies is thought to have left his car in a garage near his brother's home in Salford Quays before then walking to Old Trafford for the match. On his return, he is believed to have left the car running to close a garage door on his way out. At that point, it is thought that the gangjumped into the car and attempted to drive off. He stood in front of the car but became trapped underneath. The gang fled on foot, leaving Mr Davies for dead.

Mr Davies' parents, who live inGreater Manchester, were said to be extremely upset and too distressed to speak about their son.