Global sporting powerhouse Manchester United has touched down in Melbourne

The team were given a hero’s welcome by fans as they arrived in Melbourne on Wednesday afternoon, ahead of a historic two match series at the MCG — with one star notably absent.

Manchester United by bus at W hotel in Melbourne CBD. Picture: Jason Edwards

Global sporting powerhouse Manchester United has touched down in Melbourne ready to paint the town red.

Millionaire stars of the English Premier League giant were given a hero’s welcome by fans as they arrived in Melbourne on Wednesday afternoon, ahead of a historic two match series at the MCG.

And the Red Devils wasted no time hitting the ground running in Australia’s sporting capital, mobbed by supporters outside their CBD hotel before a low key training run at AAMI Park.

United great Bryan Robson said the prospect of 150,000 Red Devils fans at the MCG over two nights was “fantastic”.

“That is amazing that we have got that many fans are interested to come and see Manchester United,’’ he said.

Fellow United great Denis Irwin said the fact the matches would be at “the iconic” MCG made it even better.

“It’s a great opportunity for the fans to see Manchester United because it is so far away and the fact there will be 150,000 across the two matches is just incredible really,’’ he said.

Manchester United stars arriving in Australia. Picture: Jason Edwards

Fans lined up for the Manchester United players arrival. Picture: Jason Edwards

While there was no sign of United legend Cristiano Ronaldo as the United squad stepped onto Australian soil, loyal fans said having one of the biggest teams in world sport was a coup for Melbourne.

Emma Fitzgerald, president of Australia’s biggest official United supporter’s club, said seeing soccer royalty run out for two matches at the MCG would be something special.

“We’re pretty excited,’’ she said.

“There will be some people disappointed not to see Cristiano Ronaldo but most of us are just excited to see Manchester United and it’s a pretty strong squad.’’

There was no missing the team as it arrived in a bright red, Manchester United branded bus before players posed for photos and signed autographs for fans.

After taking on Melbourne Victory on Friday night, United players will unveil their new Adidas away jerseys to fans in their only public Melbourne event at Federation Square on Saturday afternoon.

There was no sign of United legend Cristiano Ronaldo as the United squad stepped onto Australian soil. Picture: Jason Edwards

The team was mobbed by supporters outside their CBD hotel before a low key training run at AAMI Park. Picture: Jason Edwards

The Fed Square stage will be transformed into a replica of United’s iconic Old Trafford home ground for the ceremony featuring players Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay.

Thousands of fans are expected at the event, hosted by United legends Andy Cole and Bryan Robson from 4.30-6pm.

Sports and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the United matches in Melbourne “will be a great spectacle for fans.”

“Victoria has the best line-up of events in the country and this event is one of many that proves that there’s never been a better time to enjoy what Victoria has to offer,’’ he said.

United will close the Melbourne series with an MCG match against fellow EPL team Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.

Palace will hold an open training session for fans at the MCG on Monday morning.

Originally published as Global sporting powerhouse Manchester United has touched down in Melbourne