Manchester United are certainly enjoying their mid-season training camp in Dubai as they look to recharge their batteries ahead of the campaign’s latter stages.
After a tough December which saw them lose even more ground in the Premier League title race to neighbours Manchester City, a break like this on the back of a hard-fought win in the FA Cup third round last Friday was just what the doctor ordered.
With the Champions League set to resume next month, United are theoretically still fighting on three fronts, and Jose Mourinho will be hoping that the UAE sun allows his players to refocus their energies.
The players certainly seem to be enjoying themselves, with Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku, and company all smiles while they were put through their paces at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex.
Fun in the sun! ☀️😃 #MUFC See more in our Story…
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Pogba in particular was revelling in the Dubai climate, showing off his tricks in training in a display reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo’s time at the club. The Portuguese always enjoyed putting on a show, and Pogba is seemingly in the same mould.
With the gap to City now at 15 points, second-placed United would need one of the more miraculous title comebacks in football history to end the season with the Premier League trophy in their hands, especially given Pep Guardiola’s men have yet to lose in the league this season. European glory is also unlikely, with United not considered one of the favourites in the Champions League.
But Mourinho and his charges will look to emerge from this break refreshed and ready to compete for both trophies, and push to reclaim the FA Cup after losing in last season’s quarter-finals as the then-holders of the trophy.
United return to English football action on Monday with a Premier League clash against Stoke.
*Lead image credited to Manchester United’s Instagram account.
