MANCHESTER UNITED took to the skies for a 25-MINUTE flight to Gatwick ahead of their weekend clash with Brighton.
The Red Devils are visiting the South Coast side for their second fixture in the Premier League campaign.
But, rather than hopping on the train or braving the Bank Holiday traffic on the roads like most of their fans travelling down for the game, Erik ten Hag‘s side made the journey by chartered jet.
Manchester United stars arrived at Manchester Airport on Friday afternoon to board their blink-and-you’ll-miss-it flight down to Gatwick.
The distance between the two transport hubs is exactly 176.01 air miles.
The squad will then likely make the last 30 miles of the journey via bus or train.
The squad were pictured leaving their cars at Manchester Airport before heading to a private terminal for their flight.
Among the stars pictured were Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire.
First-team coach Ruud van Nistelrooy was also among the squad as they arrived.
While Scott McTominay was also snapped on the phone amid ongoing speculation over his future.
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The midfielder had been linked with a move to Fulham, however, that move could be off after Sander Berge’s arrival at Craven Cottage.
It’s not the first time United have opted for a short flight to an away game.
Back in 2021 the club copped a criticism for taking a TEN-MINUTE jet to Leicester.
On that occasion the club justified it by pointing to traffic on the M6.
United opted for the aerial route after the M6 was unexpectedly closed on Friday.
Ten Hag admitted that he is demanding his team to improve and has had the squad working on addressing problems during the week.
He told MUTV: “We have to improve and there are elements that should be better.
“We get a good review of the game and we took some problems out.
DEBUTANT Joshua Zirkzee was the hero for Manchester United in an evening where their new guns showed what they are all about.
The Dutchman had to remain patient for his opportunity but he took it brilliantly once he came on the pitch.
Zirkzee came on for Mason Mount on the hour mark and had been quiet up until his pivotal moment.
Ten Hag will take positives from the display and it was his astute sub which led to the winner as his side got their season off to a flyer.
Here is how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the Red Devils display…
Andre Onana – 6
Made an outstanding early tip over from Kenny Tete and was rarely seriously troubled beyond that.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
A pretty impressive debut from the Moroccan. Looks assured on the ball, gets forward in support and can put a foot in.
Harry Maguire – 7
Dominant and commanding in defence, but embarrassingly booked for diving at the other end. Really Harry, even you?
Lisandro Martinez – 6
Skinned by Adama Traore early. Showed all his defensive guile in how he handled him after that, and got back superbly to deny a breakaway goal.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Had his hands full dealing with Traore’s pace, but knocked in a couple of wicked curling crosses at the other end.
Casemiro – 7
Headed over then shot over, but two great passes put Fernandes clean through. Often looked United’s most likely source of a goal.
Kobbie Mainoo – 8
So crisp, so tidy, so rarely wastes a pass. Another near-flawless, if not exactly flair-packed, display from the youngster. Fizzed a shot just wide, too.
Mason Mount – 5
So desperate to do well, which earned him an early booking. Only Leno’s legs denied him the goal his effort deserved.
Amad Diallo – 5
Made one marvellous mazy run into the box, although the tumble to ground that followed wasn’t so impressive.
Marcus Rashford – 6
Still nowhere near the star of two years ago, but another step in the right direction at least. Some way to get yet, though.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Fluffed two great chances, driving at keeper Leno’s legs twice when Casemiro put him through, but sprayed passes around and started the move for the winner.
Subs
Alejandro Garnacho (for Diallo, 60mins) – 6
Put a spark in United when he came off the bench and teed up the winner.
Joshua Zirkzee (for Mount, 60 mins) – 7
The debut he dreamed of. Barely had a touch, but then fed the ball wide and stuck out his left foot to jab the winner.
Matthijs de Ligt – (for Mazraoui, 81 mins) – 5
Was only on for the last ten minutes and looked solid although he did not have too much to do
Jonny Evans (for Maguire, 81 mins) – 5
Scott McTominay (for Mainoo, 84 mins) – 5
“We worked across the week on those problems, gave them solutions but also focused on our strengths. To even build further on those strengths.
“Most important is that we have the right team spirit. When I talk about the team, it’s not about 11 starters.
“We need 16 players and to be ready. So we will name the squad and, from those 20, we need 16 players to do the job and win the game.”
The Red Devils won their opening game of the Premier League campaign.
They beat Fulham 1-0 at Old Trafford thanks to a goal from summer-signing Joshua Zirkzee.
Their next test will come against the Seagulls at the Amex Stadium.
Fabian Hurzeler‘s romped to a 3-0 victory over Everton in their first game of the season.
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