BANGKOK (AFP) - Hundreds of cheering fans gave Manchester United a stirring welcome on Thursday, as the English champions jetted into Thailand at the start of a flurry of Asian tours by top European clubs.

Spectators were out in force as the Red Devils, wearing suits with trainers, arrived by chartered jet at Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport.

The players then boarded a huge bus emblazoned with the words "United in Thailand" and drove to their five-star downtown hotel, where they were welcomed by more fans holding banners and scarves.

Moyes and United great Ryan Giggs were also mobbed during a visit to Siriraj hospital, where they paid their respects and brought a big bunch of flowers for Thailand's revered king and queen, who are both unwell. England striker Wayne Rooney, at the centre of intense speculation about his future, walked with his head down and did not talk to media as he arrived with his team-mates.