The star-studded squad of Manchester United slipped quietly into Teddington's Lensbury Club & Hotel this weekend before their FA Cup semi-final showdown against Brighton & Hove Albion at Wembley Stadium today (Sunday).

Coach Erik ten Hag, goalkeeper David de Gea, midfielder Bruno Fernandes and winger Anthony Elanga were all smiles as they happily signed autographs and shirts and posed for selfies with scores of star-struck and overwhelmed youngsters, who waited patiently for their football idols to finish training.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag greets the red devil fans in Teddington at The Lensbury

United - one of the world's most famous football clubs and currently third in the Premier League – is the latest big name sports club to check into the luxury riverside hotel following rugby's All Blacks, World rugby Champions South Africa, France, the Euro Championships winning Lionesses and the England rugby team. 

Sharp sighted passers-by were alerted to the team's low-profile presence at the Lensbury when they saw the distinctive crest of the Club on two team coaches parked at the front of the club.

David de Gea signs United shirts for beaming young fans

The Club landed in London after their disappointing 3-0 defeat (5-2 on aggregate) against Sevilla in the Europa League on Thursday night, with this afternoon's semi-final posing as the perfect opportunity to bounce back and set up a mouth-watering contest against bitter rivals Manchester City, who dispatched Sheffield United comfortably 3-0 on Saturday.

Anthony Elanga poses for a shot

Brighton will be no push over however, and will walk out at Wembley in a buoyant mood with the chance to reach an FA Cup final for the first time since 1983, whilst also boasting a serious chance of securing European football next season with the Seagulls currently sitting in 8th in the Premier League standings.

Both sides will kickoff at 4.30pm, with coverage to start at 4pm live on BBC One.