A simple method to grow MnAs single crystals is described, using careful temperature control. Crystal characterization was determined by powder X-ray diffraction, back-reflection Laue diffraction and vibrating sample magnetometry. The results show good magnetic properties with first-order transition sharper than in polycrystalline samples and with the transition occurring at slightly lower temperatures (T(C)=315.5 K) than in the case of polycrystalline samples. The second-order transition in single crystal decreases with applied field at 391 K. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.