Kangaroos players have brushed shoulders with some of the biggest names in world sport, including David Beckham, on a private visit to English Premier League club Manchester United.

The Australians are based in Manchester during the Rugby League World Cup and have taken the opportunity to mingle with the likes of Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney on a private tour of Old Trafford on Thursday.

Former United superstar Beckham was also at the ground as Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston and Paul Gallen took time out from preparations for Saturday’s clash with Fiji in St Helens.

The trio swapped jerseys with Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and Rio Ferdinand.

United legend Giggs is an avid rugby league supporter and was among a group of Red Devils players who attended the third State of Origin game during a pre-season tour to Australia earlier this year.

“The skill was unbelievable, the atmosphere as well,” Giggs told NRL.com on Thursday.

“The whole build-up during the week, we were in Sydney and it was like the Champions League Final, so it was great to eventually get to one and I really enjoyed it.”

Smith said meeting the star strike duo of Van Persie and Rooney was a highlight of his trip along with receiving a signed jersey from Carrick.

“It’s great to meet those guys. They were keen to ask some questions about the World Cup and how we’re going and even the NRL back home,” Smith said.

“It’s nice to see guys who play in such a huge sporting club know a bit about our game as well.”

The Kangaroos are hoping to return to Old Trafford on November 30 for the World Cup final.