Manchester United took to the training ground ahead of this weekend's Premier League clash with Southampton, where they will be looking to bounce back following a draw with Burnley last time out.

This period is particularly busy for the Red Devils, who, from the 20th of December to the 5th of January, have a whopping six matches in just 16 days.

As you'd expect, Jose Mourinho will chop and change his team around to prevent injuries, so the sight of lesser known players on the training ground will come as little surprise.

But the one and only Cristiano Ronaldo making an appearance? We didn't expect that either. Although be warned, not everything is as it seems! Enjoy.

Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba hit the training ground (
Image:
Man Utd via Getty Images)

1. Man United's goalkeepers mean business

We're not sure if it's the net, the poses, or the bandit-style snoods up around their faces, but there is something menacing about this picture.

Manchester United's talented trio of Sergio Romero, David de Gea and Joel Pereira were all on the training ground this Thursday, ahead of Saturday's match, and took it in turns keeping goal.

The Three Musketeers (
Image:
Man Utd via Getty Images)

Mourinho will likely play De Gea in goal against Southampton, but you can expect to see one of the others between the sticks soon.

With an FA Cup clash against Derby on the horizon, we reckon the forgotten two will get a shot at showing the world what they can do.

2. Jose Mourinho hasn't forgotten about Luke Shaw

The Manchester United manager's relationship with Luke Shaw has had many twists and turns over the past two seasons.

Sometimes it looks as if the Portuguese is turning a corner, and is finally showing confidence in the left-back's ability.

Friend of foe? (
Image:
Man Utd via Getty Images)

And other times Shaw is left sitting on the bench wondering where it all went wrong, while the rest of the world wonders what more he can do.

Mourinho made time for the former Southampton man in training on Thursday, and he's another player who could make (at the very least) a cameo over the next week.

3. The youngsters are put through their paces

As aforementioned, Mourinho is set to make changes this week, and this was clear for everyone to see as the youngsters took part in the first team session.

Angel Gomes looked determined leading the group, although it is currently unclear whether he will feature against the Saints.

The next generation (
Image:
Man Utd via Getty Images)

Again, more likely is the visit of the Rams for the FA Cup in early January.

That said, Mourinho is unlikely to go for broke and field a novice XI - regardless of how talented they may be. Instead, he will likely use the teenagers sparingly, and hopefully, to devastating effect.

4. Injury! What injury?

Anthony Martial missed Manchester United's Boxing Day draw with Burnley because of a minor knee problem.

But he was back training on Thursday with the rest of the Red Devils team, providing them with a boost ahead of the weekend.

Guess who's back (
Image:
Man Utd via Getty Images)

Martial is enjoying a great season at Old Trafford, and is becoming one of Mourinho's more reliable players, despite his young age.

He's netted eight times so far this season, and his creativity was hugely missed in Manchester United's frustrating draw last time out.

5. And finally, that's definitely Cristiano Ronaldo!

Manchester United fans would absolutely love to see the Prodigal Son return from Real Madrid and light up the Premier League once more.

But unfortunately for them, Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to stay at Real Madrid.

He's in Manchester in spirit! (
Image:
Man Utd via Getty Images)

Not to worry because it seems the Red Devils have found a solution, as the above picture shows - tell us that's not Ronaldo's face!

He's a little less mobile these days though...

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