FIVE football fanatics have set off on the long route to Russia, to watch their beloved Manchester United take on Chelsea in the European Cup Final on Wednesday.

Friends and Manchester United followers Martin Green, 31, Phil Agent, 31, Lee Airey, 34, Mark Doyle, 47, and Dean Knipe, 34, all from Irlam, Salford, are well into their 6,000 mile, eleven day trip, after setting off in their 6 berth camper van on Friday evening.

Martin Green who had the idea of a different and cheaper way to Moscow said, "We started planning about eight weeks ago and reckon that the eleven day round trip will cost us each around a £1,000.

Considerably cheaper than flying direct to Moscow and plus we are getting the lads road trip holiday of a lifetime at the same time."

The trip will take in France, Belgium, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania and finally Russia before Wednesday's destination Moscow for the match.

A similar route back will also take in Holland.

Phil Agent added, "We are going have stop off's in Berlin and Riga to sample a bit of the local culture. Win or lose in the final it will still be the road trip of a lifetime."