16/08/2017 16:30, Report by Adam Higgins

The beautiful game may be described as an art but some Manchester United stars have tried their hand at a different kind of craft.  

An exciting event took place at Old Trafford earlier this week as Michael Carrick, Jesse Lingard, Chris Smalling, Victor Lindelof and Paul Pogba got the unique chance to spray paint a mural bespoke to United, in association with the club's official timekeeper and global watch partner, TAG Heuer.

As they took time out of their busy training schedule, the players also had a go at some graffiti artwork by spraying footballs and mannequins with their shirt names and numbers, which will be auctioned off as part of various campaigns.  

The main painting was created by Alec Monopoly, TAG Heuer Art Provocateur, before the graffiti artist made a special guest appearance to help the players, who wore bandanas, add the finishing touches to the masterpiece – which will remain on display for fans to see at the stadium.  

Pogba even had his shoes spray-painted by Alec and enjoyed being part of the event. "I am really impressed by the piece created by Alec and it was an honour to be asked to add my own personal touch to the painting," he told us. "I hope our fans like it and it brings a smile to all who see it."

Lingard agreed, adding: "This was a really great experience and not something I have done or been asked to do before. We have a great partnership with TAG Heuer and I am grateful to them for bringing this collaboration together."

"Painting such a large scale picture was a little daunting, especially in front of a crowd of people," joked Carrick. "But I think I did okay and I hope everyone who sees the mural enjoys it."

A street art star in the United States, Alec has followers in Hollywood, such as singers Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus and comedian, actor and writer Seth Rogen.

Originally from New York City, he has worked in the urban environments of New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Europe, Mexico and throughout Asia using various materials to depict various iconic pop culture characters.

Alec, a brand ambassador for TAG Heuer, was invited to the event by TAG Heuer CEO, Jean-Claude Biver.

He said: "I am a huge football fan and above all a fan of Manchester United. I came to watch the match [against West Ham] incognito on Sunday, to soak up the atmosphere and see the fans!

"Being able to make a mark on the wall of this mythical stadium with the players was really enjoyable. It was surreal seeing the players wearing their bandanas and painting with me. Thank you Jean-Claude Biver for this unforgettable moment!"

Sprayed on to a canvas, the painting was a thematic conception based on United and TAG Heuer, focusing on expressions of ‘pressure’ which are in keeping with TAG Heuer’s strapline ‘Don’t Crack Under Pressure’.

There was an unveiling of Alec's creation, which combines his Monopoly style with United-inspired themes, in front of the world's media outside the Centennial entrance at Old Trafford. The event was captured on video and fans around the world can visit the club's social channels to see what Alec created.

Supporters also have the chance to win a unique United shirt, signed by members of the first team and Alec, by creating your own United artwork. For more details, visit manutd.com/tagheuerartchallenge.

More: Click on the image above to see some photos of the players in action with Alec