Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is reportedly exploring the option of taking his players on overseas bonding trips during the season amid gaps in their schedule.
The Red Devils were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two Grimsby last week, having also failed to qualify for Europe last season.
United’s reduced fixture schedule means they face just one midweek game before Christmas – a home match against West Ham on December 3.
The club is therefore looking at ways to use the extra preparation time effectively, as reported by The Sun.
United’s schedule leaves as many as eight days between league games, giving Amorim the chance to plan short overseas camps.
Amorim believes short training camps abroad, in destinations such as Portugal’s Algarve or the Middle East, could strengthen team spirit and give the players a change of environment from their Carrington base.
Ruben Amorim is reportedly exploring taking his players on overseas bonding trips
United’s reduced fixture schedule means they face just one midweek game before Christmas
Amorim believes short training camps abroad could strengthen team spirit and raise morale
The manager previously highlighted the benefits of the club’s US tour this summer, where players bonded off the pitch.
A leadership group of Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Diogo Dalot, Tom Heaton and Noussair Mazraoui has been tasked with maintaining discipline and upholding a code of conduct, which includes engaging with fans on matchdays.
While United officials are supportive of the idea, suggestions of staging similar trips during international breaks have been dismissed, as too many players will be absent with their national teams.
United have had a slow start to the season, with a win, draw and a loss from the opening three league matches.
Amorim is now hoping to use the international break to his team’s advantage, saying after their 3-2 win over Burnley: ‘It will help us because we now have two weeks.
‘Imagine two weeks with a lot of opportunities. Fulham in the beginning, the same [with] Arsenal: we try until the last minute and not to get one win would be tough on the team. It’s important.’
