Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Reds are on a winter break in the United Arab Emirates, preparing for the biggest examination yet of the Norwegian’s spell in charge.
United will return to the UK and be thrust into a league blockbuster against third-placed Spurs at Wembley next Sunday (16:30 GMT kick-off).
The Reds are six points shy of the coveted fourth-place Champions League slot in the division after four straight league wins against Cardiff City, Huddersfield Town, Bournemouth and Newcastle United under caretaker boss Solskjaer.
Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup third-round 2-0 triumph against Championship side Reading sent the Reds off for the training camp on the brink of a history-making start for Solskjaer.