Manchester United stars jet off to Dubai for week of warm weather training ahead of Stoke clash... with Romelu Lukaku already enjoying himself in the Emirate

• e-mail

Jose Mourinho is preparing to jet off to the Middle East with his Manchester United stars, as they look to get in a week's worth of warm weather preparation ahead of returning to Premier League action.

The Red Devils will head to Dubai on Monday to undertake training work and rehab and recovery sessions, in hope of returning to Premier League action at full throttle.

However, for Romelu Lukaku his trip to the sunnier climes has already started - as he posted a picture via his Instagram account on Sunday enjoying himself in the Emirate. He captioned it: 'Dubai what' poppin?' [sic].

Romelu Lukaku is already in Dubai ahead of Manchester United's proposed trip to the Emirate

Manchester United will jet off to Dubai on Monday for a week of warm weather training

The Red Devils are hoping to use the trip to sharpen up and get back to winning ways

Mourinho and his men had to wait to see if such a trip would be possible, with Stoke's FA Cup third round clash with Coventry having huge bearing.

A potential replay would have see United's fixture with Stoke moved, denying the chance to head off to the training camp.

Fortunately for Mourinho and Co the Potters were downed by their League Two opposition, meaning the Premier League clash will go ahead as planned.

United will be checking into the One&Only Royal Mirage Hotel, one of Dubai's most plush beach resorts.

Mourinho had spoken recently about his hopefulness of the trip going ahead as planned, but remained realistic that Stoke's result could easily switch things up.

'Everybody wants to go to Dubai,’ Mourinho said. 

Jose Mourinho has seen the pressure mount after falling way behind rivals Manchester City

United will check into the One&Only Mirage Hotel, one of Dubai's most plush establishments

‘A week of good training, good facilities but now it depends on Stoke’s result. We go Monday but if they draw we don’t go,' he added.

The Red Devils will be hoping the sun of Dubai helps revitalise their season, which has faltered in recent weeks.

United have struggled for consistency since their derby defeat by bitter rivals Manchester City, and have fallen well off the pace as a result.

Mourinho has watched on as his side drew three of their last five Premier League games, seeing pressure crank up on himself continuously.

United will return to face Stoke on Monday, January 15, before coming up against Burnley and Tottenham respectively soon after.