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Czech-in: Kevin and his mates at the Airport

On Monday 19 May, Kevin, 34, from Sale flew out from Manchester with six friends on their way to the biggest Manchester United game in almost a decade.

But in spite of soaring flight costs, and hotels in the Russian capital fully booked , Kevin and the boys can relax.

Acting on a tip from a friend, they reserved their flights with Czech Airlines back in March - with no need to pay before they knew United had made the Final.

'Book early'

Their forward planning paid off. Their return flights to Moscow will cost just £460 each. Plus they've got a night in Prague, a night in Moscow and time for some sightseeing.

St Basil's Cathedral, Moscow

"Back in 1999, I flew in and out of Barcelona with the club on the same day and I was shattered," explained Kevin.

"So this time we're getting there on Tuesday with a whole day to look round. The plan is to meet at the hotel, get the underground into the town centre, have a look round Red Square and the Kremlin, have a bite to eat, couple of beers.. and then the priority is to get back to the hotel safely.

"The hotel's only a few hundred yards from the airport. So we shouldn't have any problems getting home."

Proud

With accommodation costing another £120, plus a £75 match ticket, they managed to keep the cost of the trip down to under £700 each.

But Kevin's confident there'll be no trouble with their London rivals - or the legendary Russian authorities.

"We've read reports in the papers about the Moscow police and, to be honest, I'm not too worried. Russia can't afford for this event to go wrong," he said.

"You hear these stories, but we're just going to keep together, look out for each other, be sensible drinking, enjoy the day and do Manchester proud."