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.

Man United taken a plan on their trip to Brighton

Bruno Fernandes was among the squad to arrive at Manchester Airport

Scott McTominay took a phone call as he arrived

Harry Maguire was also pictured before the flight

Ruud van Nistelrooy also took the plane

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, believed to last under half an hour.

The distance between the two transport hubs is exactly 176.01 air miles.

Before their 12:30 kickoff at the Amex on Saturday, the team will most likely travel the last 30 miles via bus or rail.

The team was seen getting out of their cars at Manchester Airport and making their way to a special terminal in preparation for their departure.

Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes were two of the celebrities pictured.

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.

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.

Casemiro arrived for the journey down the country

Lisandro Martinez matched the team in a matching tracksuit

Christian Eriksen will be hoping to get some game time this weekend

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.