And Karl Power, from Droylsden in Greater Manchester, reckoned: "It must be the biggest and best football sting of all time."

Power stunned the United players prior to their Champions League clash against Bayern Munich by strolling on to the pitch and posing for a pre-match photograph.

Millions watching on television were also amazed and, after catching their breath, were keen to find out just who the impostor was.

After a massive manhunt, Power was unveiled.

And the unemployed labourer, who planned the stunt as a tribute to Old Trafford legend Eric Cantona, was clearly delighted with his amazing achievement.

"Men and my mates have been doing things like this for years - but this was the best," Power told The Sun.

"Then with 20 minutes till kick-off, we saw an opening where there were no stewards and a couple of us walked all the way round the running track and ended up behind the goal.

"We sat with the photographers watching the warm-up. Then, when the teams walked out, I went to the players' entrance and knew nothing was going to stop me."

Gary Neville almost ruined the stunt by attempting to point Power out, but the 33-year-old United fan stayed put as the photographers snapped away.