Manchester United visit the White House: Champions are given a special tour of iconic building in Washington

Manchester United have been the most powerful force in English football for a generation.

And the current players have taken time out of their American tour to visit one of the great seats of world power.

Special visit: Manchester United players and staff made a trip to the White House

All the president's men: Sir Alex Ferguson poses beside portrait of 13th US president, Millard Fillmore

Fresh from beating an MLS All Star team 4-0 in New Jersey on Wednesday night, Sir Alex Ferguson and his squad paid a visit to the White House on Thursday afternoon.

The squad, who were given a special tour of the iconic building, posed for a picture on the steps outside.

US president Barack Obama was unable to meet the United party, however, as the deadlock over America's $14.3trillion national debt reached crisis point.

United boss Ferguson, who has always taken a keen interest in politics and world affairs, looked particularly pleased on the visit, and posed for a picture under a picture of the 13th President of the United States, Millard Fillmore.

Ferguson said: 'It was fantastic. Fascinating. I've been before but it's such an historic and incredible place. We all enjoyed it.'

The Barcelona squad also visited the White House but were prevented from jogging on the famous lawn by security staff.

Star defender Rio Ferdinand posted a picture of him inside, along with the message: 'Me chilling in the 'State Dinning Room' no sign of any tea bags!!'

Later, he complained that other pictures he had taken had been removed.

All smiles: Rio Ferdinand in the State Dining Room at the White House

Tasty treats: United players eat special White House cookies

Ferdinand said: 'Whoa....some1 has got into my phone + taken down my pics off twitter....this is deep...is jack Bauer in Washington?!'

He also posted the message: 'My pic of the security was removed quick, rapido, sharpish, fast....they don't play here in DC...I feel like I'm on 24 right now #baffled.'

Striker Michael Owen said on Twitter: 'Had a tour around The White House. Unfortunately never met The President as he was locked in meetings but a great experience all the same.'

The Barcelona squad also visited the White House but were prevented from jogging on the famous lawn by security staff.

United players have made it in good time to Washington, ahead of their clash with the European champions on Sunday.

After that match, the squad will fly home and prepare for the start of the new domestic season, which will begin with the Community Shield against neighbours Manchester City at Wembley on August 7.

United then begin the defence of their Premier League title with a match against West Bromwich Albion the following weekend.