Manchester United's stars have escaped to Dubai to enjoy some rare January sun.

Following their 2-0 FA Cup win over Derby, Jose Mourinho and his team flew out to the Middle East to escape England's harsh winter weather.

The Red Devils' next clash comes against Stoke on Monday and the short break will provide the club's biggest stars with a chance to relax.

United legend Sammy McIlroy summed it up perfectly, telling the club's official website: "A bit of winding down will do them good.

"The Christmas schedule really takes its toll and, after some warm-weather training, they'll be well prepared for Stoke."

Here are seven things we noticed from their recent warm weather training session...

Spirits are high

Victor Lindelof and Henrikh Mkhitaryan pose in the shade (
Image:
John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images)
Joel Pereira and Anthony Martial cut cool figures (
Image:
John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images)

If Jose Mourinho's decision to take his players to Dubai was to raise morale then it appears to be working.

Every member of the squad looks in very high spirits - including Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who has struggled to make the first team of late.

"No, I do the dirty tackles!"

Marcos Rojo and Ander Herrera look deep in discussion (
Image:
John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images)

Everyone knows Marcos Rojo likes to stick a boot in, but so does Ander Herrera.

United's dirtiest players appear to be deep in discussion as to who should take out their next victim, and when.

Always room for improvement

"This is how you do it." (
Image:
John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images)

Jesse Lingard may be in the form of his life but there's clearly still a few things he needs to learn. Jose gets hands on to show the England international how it's done.

Trouble in paradise?

"Come on, guys, make up." (
Image:
John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images)

Mourinho looks to be doing his best at bringing Luke Shaw and Paul Pogba together, but neither player is paying attention.

Surely there's not trouble in paradise?

Valencia returns...

A welcome return... (
Image:
John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images)

After more than three weeks out with a hamstring injury Antonio Valencia is back. This will be a welcome sight to United fans as the Ecuadorian has performed like one of the world's best right-backs over the past couple of years.

As does Carrick!

Michael Carrick will provide Jose Mourinho with a welcome boost (
Image:
John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images)

United's club captain has been missing since September after being diagnosed with an irregular heart rhythm. It's great to see the midfielder back in action.

Viewing gallery

What on earth are they looking at? (
Image:
John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images)

Hands on hips, something from somebody's lips? What has happened here to make all these United stars stop and stare?

Whatever it was it led to a great snap.