THOUSANDS of AC Milan fans celebrated in the streets of Manchester after watching their side beat fellow Italians Juventus to win the Uefa Champions' League final at Old Trafford.

More than 63,000 supporters, including 35,000 who travelled from Italy, gathered at Manchester United's ground for the all-Italian affair which AC Milan won 3-2 following a dramatic penalty shoot out settled by striker Andriy Shevchenko.

Despite little action on the pitch after a goalless game, fans of both sides cheered and waved their scarves throughout the match enjoying the carnival atmosphere at the ground.

For many of them the party had began earlier when they flooded into the city centre before the showpiece game.

But police said there had been no reports of trouble before the 7.45pm kick-off and none afterwards.

Greater Manchester Police Inspector Mohammed Sultan said: "The whole event passed without incident."

A major security operation had been mounted for the event, the largest sporting occasion in Manchester since last summer's Commonwealth Games.

Supporters arrived on 400 extra flights, giving Manchester airport the busiest day in its history, with hundreds of extra catering staff and volunteers on duty to cope with the crowds at the three terminals.