Hi °C | Lo °C Belfast went 'Mad United' last night as thousands of football fans turned out to watch Glentoran take on the mighty Red Devils.
Despite the 3-0 scoreline, it was a proud night for Glentoran who were celebrating their 125th anniversary.
It was the glamour friendly that every Irish League club dreams of - playing the Premiership Champions on your home turf.
The star-studded Manchester United line-up - worth £100m - included England stars Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick as well as United's exciting summer signings Anderson and Nani who, in the absence of his manager, treated the appreciative crowd to his trademark backflip after scoring the third and final goal - a move which Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson has banned.
Glens manager Alan McDonald said it would go down as one of the biggest night in the club's history: "It was great for them tonight to play at that level against a great team."
Even though some of Manchester United's biggest names like Rooney and Ronaldo didn't show - Glentoran's fans and players were delighted with the turnout.
It seemed all roads led to Glentoran with a 14,000-strong sea of red and green snaking its way around every corner. There were hundreds of people draped in flags, with their faces painted and carrying air horns. It was a real family occasion.
At the main Parkgate Drive entrance there was a party going on. Home owners had opened their doors and were enjoying a drink and chat with matchgoers, while local entrepreneurs were making the most of their east Belfast's most famous footballer - selling George Best T-shirts and flags for a fiver.
And among the many banners in the stands there was a message for Sir Alex who was at home helping his wife, Cathy, move house.
It read: "Utd, kids, wife - in that order."
Among those going to the game was Alan McIlhaggery, chairman of Castlereagh Glentoran Supporters Club. He was attending with his son and grandson, both United fans, and had been hoping for a 2-0 win for the Glens.
Antrim man Jim McQuillan (59) said he snapped up his ticket as soon as they went on sale last month. The carer and lifelong Glens fan said: "I usually come to all Glentoran's games. Although I'm not from east Belfast, my mum is. Obviously I hope Glentoran win - at least 5-0.
"I was hoping Ronaldo would be here but what can you do? They turned out a good side anyway. It'll be a great night."
Larry Harland, who was taking his teenage son Matthew to the game, had been to see United play Glentoran in 1982.
He said: "This is the biggest game since 1982 - when they came to celebrate our 100th. I was at that game, too - I'm on the wrong side of 40 now."
Tom Murray, Paddy Dunlop and Liam Friel from Donegal Manchester Supporters' Club were making their first visit to The Oval. The trio made the two-hour journey from Letterkenny, but were slightly disappointed to learn the Portugese winger was not in town. Said Paddy: "It is quite disappointing that Ronaldo isn't there, but there are enough big names to put on a show."
