Frank Lampard gets to know Manchester with Christine Bleakley - and bumps into Louis van Gaal

Lampard and Van Gaal were unlikely dinner dates at Manchester's trendy San Carlo

The new City man and his fiancee were in the company of new United supremo Louis van Gaal and his wife at San Carlo restaurant

 

#Frank Lampard appears to be wasting no time getting to know his new surroundings following yesterday's confirmation that he will play for Manchester City on a six-month contract - and is already making some unusual friends.
The 36-year-old midfielder spent the evening celebrating with fiancee Christine Bleakley at swanky Italian restaurant San Carlo, a favourite haunt among the north-west's celebrity set.
Just to prove its credentials, the venue was also seating new Manchester United manager Louis vaan Gaal and wife Truus last night.
Fortunately, the strong on-field rivalry between the two Manchester sides didn't ruin the evening for the two club's respective new signings.
Lampard reached a deal with Chelsea's Premier League title rivals after signing for sister club New York City FC on a free transfer. 

Xposure

All smiles: The couple appear to be enjoying life in Manchester following Lampard's move to City

He will move across the Atlantic in time for the start of the 2015 MLS season next March, where he will join forces with former Barcelona and Atletico Madrid man David Villa for the new franchise's inaugural campaign.
The midfielder took part in his first session with his new teammates at City's Carrington training complex yesterday and will likely play a role in this weekend's Community Shield encounter.
The Premier League holders take on FA Cup champions Arsenal at Wembley in the annual curtain raiser for the new season. 
Back in Manchester, Van Gaal is working hard to have his United side fit and fighting for the start of the new season.
He is currently being linked with a last-minute swoop for PSV Eindhoven winger and Spurs target Memphis Depay, but a deal for Juventus star Arturo Vidal could be scuppered by the concerns over the midfielder's knee.

Eamonn & James Clarke

Relaxed: Man United manager Louis van Gaal heads out with wife