MANCHESTER UNITED UNICEF dinner

Questioning: Rio Ferdinand is joined on stage by Nemanja Vidic, Wayne Rooney and co at Unted's gala dinner as they are interviewed by BBC political editor Nick Robinson

Cheer up, Ryan: A rather glum looking Giggs poses for a picture with team-mates Rooney and Fletcher

Double act: Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney strike a pose with Chris Smalling and partner Sam Cooke

Sir Alex Ferguson however was a notable absentee. 

The United boss, whose secrets behind his unrivalled success at Old Trafford were in part revealed following an unprecedented study by Harvard University, didn't join his side at the black-tie affair despite his name being mentioned on the official invite.

Suit you, sir: Patrice Evra and Darren Fletcher look the part as they arrive at the home of Manchester United

Happy: Hernandez shares a joke with Valencia while Cleverley, Young and Welbeck are all smiles (below)

The United boss is unlikely to be happy that his side playing three games in seven days over the Festive period starting with a tricky trip to Swansea on Sunday.

United will begin the tough run of games with a six-point cushion over rivals Manchester City as they attempt to wrestle back the Premier League trophy to the red half of the city. 

Thumbs up: Shinji Kagawa (left) and Jonny Evans with his girlfriend Helen McConnell

In the swing: United veteran Ryan Giggs arrives at the star-studded evening at Old Trafford

Men in black: Tom Cleverley, Ashley Young and Danny Welbeck pose for the assorted media

Picture perfect: Summer signings Nick Powell and Alexander Buttner with their respective partners

Lat year's gala raised £130,000 for charity and some punters would have paid in excess of £3,500 a ticket for last night's do which included a three-course meal, free bottle of wine and a VIP drinks reception at the United museum, according to the club's website. 

Red Devil: Coronation Street actress Catherine Tyldesley arriving at Old Trafford for the gala dinner

PS United are always in the news... but what are you doing here, Nick?

The evening was hosted by BBC political editor Nick Robinson - a lifelong Manchester United fan who is from Macclesfield