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Around 3,000 fans flocked to Melbourne’s famous Federation Square on Saturday to watch Manchester United’s stars launch the club’s new away kit.

Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay unveiled the new Adidas white strip amid much fanfare.

The United players had arrived at the venue, complete with camera crew, club staff and security guards, on a tram decked out in United’s traditional colours of red, white and black which had made the 12 minute journey from the five-star W hotel, where the squad are staying in Melbourne.

In keeping with the theatrics, the stage had been turned into a replica of a dressing room, complete with kit, boots and drinks bottle but with the whole set upside down in a nod to United being “down under” in Australia.

Australian TV presenter and former rugby league player Beau Ryan proved a popular and good natured host, with players all smiling when he jokingly asked how they had managed to concede to Melbourne Victory in the previous night’s 4-1 victory over the A-League side at the iconic MCG.

United legends Bryan Robson and Andy Cole, both of whom are club ambassadors, were also at the launch along with former kitman Albert Morgan.

The new away strips is said to take inspiration from United’s classic white kit and features red and black Adidas three stripes and a v-neck with geometric shapes. The helix pattern, which is weaved into the fabric of the shirt, is there to represent the three pillars of the club’s philosophy: youth, courage and success.

Fans will certainly hope to see more of that next season.

While Fernandes and co. were busy entertaining the masses in Federation Square, a more intimate affair was taking place across Melbourne at the Marriott