The Reds are currently enjoying their sun-bathed training sessions, in Doha, Qatar. As Manchester freezes with sub-zero temperatures, Doha is experiencing temperatures of up to 25°C.

United are conducting their training sessions at ASPIRE (Academy for Sports Excellence, Doha). Sir Alex has already revealed his delight at the four-day trip to the Persian Gulf.

"I had heard a lot about the fantastic facilities at ASPIRE from my coaching staff," said the boss. "With the weather being so good at this time of the year in Qatar, it was the perfect opportunity to test them out."

"The welcome we have received has been superb and we have already done an excellent training session that just would not have been possible in the conditions in the UK."

Edwin Van Der Sar has joined the team for training, following his wife's brain haemorrhage during Christmas. Van der Sar was on 'compassionate leave' since wife Annemarie was admitted to hospital on December 23, in Amsterdam. 

However, it was revealed that his wife is making a recovery and has said to have escaped permanent damage to her brain.

Van Der Sar joined up with the team in Qatar on Monday, and is currently working in the gym to regain fitness.

The Holland international's last game for United was back in November, against Everton - where he suffered a knee injury, and has been out since.

United will return to England on Thursday, to prepare for Saturday's Premier League home game with Burnley.