The stakes are high for Manchester United as they aim to secure a place in the Champions League next season and Louis van Gaal's men showed their gambling instincts of a different kind on Monday.

Fresh from Sunday's comfortable 3-0 win over top four-rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, United stars Ashley Young, Juan Mata, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones were present at the club's official launch of their bwin casino app.

The quartet were all smiles with club ambassadors Denis Irwin and Bryan Robson as they promoted the new groundbreaking technology at Manchester's 235 Casino.

Manchester United launched the world's first-ever club-based real money casino app on Monday

United stars Juan Mata (left), Phil Jones (centre) and Chris Smalling were in attendance for the app launch

Club ambassadors Bryan Robson (centre) and Denis Irwin (right) were also present on Monday afternoon

The Red Devils have been at the forefront of English football for many a year and off-the-pitch they are trying to follow suit with the launch of the first football club-based, real money casino app in the world.

Titled the 'bwin Manchester United Casino' the specifically-designed app gives users a realistic 3D casino environment, set against the backdrop of Old Trafford.

Users are welcomed to the casino lobby by likenesses of United players, complete with voiceovers which guide them through the gameplay.

It is the first of its kind and extends the popular range of services and products that United's online gaming and betting partner provides to fans.

Users will see a realistic 3D casino environment, set against the backdrop of Old Trafford as they gamble

Manchester United Group Managing Director, Richard Arnold, said: 'Since Manchester United launched its relationship with bwin in 2012, we have been impressed by their commitment to setting the standard in their industry and providing dynamic and innovative user experiences, as is clearly demonstrated in the bwin Manchester United casino.

'The launch of the app is an important milestone in our partnership, and is yet another exciting platform to bring the Club closer to its fans.'

Sam Sadi, Director of bwin Labels, added, 'Our aim is to offer sports fans unique gaming experiences anytime, anywhere. Working with the club, we have used our partnership to create something entirely new and standout in our industry that will appeal to both Manchester United fans and casino players looking for superior graphics and gameplay.'