A Conservative minister has sparked outrage after attacking United supporters during a Commons debate and insisting “very few of them come from Manchester.”

Ed Vaizey MP attacked what he branded a lack of atmosphere at United games, and said fans did not sing in support of their players.

The Chelsea fan, whose favourite player is Didier Drogba, went on to question whether or not the club’s fans were even from Manchester.

The minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries’ barbed comments came during a debate on the Football Governance Bill put forward by Folkestone MP Damian Collins, which is designed to ensure club owners act responsibly.

Mr Vaizey applauded Mr Collins, and asked if his constituents chanted “There’s only one hon. Member for Folkestone and Hythe. There’s only one hon. Member for Folkestone and Hythe” when he walked into stadiums.

But amid the good-natured banter he said: “That may not happen because, of course, he is a Manchester United fan. We know that Manchester United fans do not sing, because very few of them actually come from Manchester.

“The point is well made by my hon. Friend, who grew up in Hereford and represents a constituency on the south coast, yet claims to support Manchester United.”

Social media users have erupted with anger at the comments, with United fan Sam Joshi asking: “Really Ed? Could have sworn I am from Manchester and sing quite a lot. I must be wrong.”

Mr Vaizey, who grew up in Berkshire, represents Wantage – roughly 70 miles away from his team’s home ground in West London.

Teams based closer to Wantage include Reading, Swindon Town and Oxford United.

See the Manchester United fans gallery from this weekend's clash with Crystal Palace