Manchester United have held their first training session in Los Angeles as Jose Mourinho’s men ramp up their preparations for the new season.
United’s squad gathered at the University of California as Mourinho watched over his players.
The squad flew out to the United States late on Sunday and their first pre-season match is on Friday, against Club America at the University of Phoenix stadium in Glendale.
Jose Mourinho watches his Manchester United players during training in California
Pre-season gives Luke Shaw and Timothu Fosu-Mensah chances to impress Mourinho
Anthony Martial is training with United but has been linked with a move away from the club
Martial could feature in United’s first pre-season friendly against Club America on Friday
The tour provides an opportunity for players such as Luke Shaw to lay down an early marker for a heightened role at United in 2018-19 under Mourinho.
Shaw only played 19 times for United last season and has often come in for criticism by United boss Mourinho.
He has one year remaining on his Old Trafford contract and with Ashley Young on a break after England’s World Cup run, has an opening to stake a claim.
The same applies to Anthony Martial, whose form last season saw him miss out on a place with World Cup winners France for the tournament in Russia. He too has been linked with a move away but is still on the books for now.
Herrera, coach Emilio Alvarez Blanco, Mata and Darmian explored the streets of Los Angeles
Valencia was later snapped enduring an ice bath following United’s training
Angel Gomes and Antonio Valencia go through their paces at the University of California
Ander Herrera leads the way in training as United step up preparations for the season
United will play five friendly matches during their time in America this month
Other senior players such as Antonio Valencia, Juan Mata, Eric Bailly and Ander Herrera are already with United after no international commitments over the last few months.
Valencia later shared pictures on his Instagram of him cooling off in an ice bath.
But one player who is presently missing out on a chance to build his fitness with the United squad is Alexis Sanchez.
The Chile star remains in England despite his nation failing to qualify for the World Cup, after being refused entry to America due to visa issues arising from a suspended prison sentence which he accepted back in February.
Sanchez was charged with illegally defrauding the Spanish treasury of £885,000 while a Barcelona player in the 2012-13 season.
Joel Pereira and Martial pose together prior to United’s opening training session
Spanish midfield duo Herera and Juan Mata make their way out for United training
United defender Matteo Darmian is with the squad in America for pres-season training
Andreas Pereira and Eric Bailly warm up for United ahead of training out in California
He repaid the money in full and the fact he accepted the 16-month prison sentence meant he did not have to go to jail as the punishment was under two years.
Both United and Sanchez hope the Chile star will be granted a visa waiver to allow him to join up with the rest of the squad at some point of the tour.
United also play San Jose Earthquakes, AC Milan, Liverpool and Real Madrid in America and their Premier League season begins against Leicester on August 10.