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Manchester United news: Ander Herrera and co practise diving in Dubai as Jose Mourinho’s Man United devise new plan to catch leaders Man City

Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw join the Spaniard, who was booked for simulation in last month's derby, in taking a leap from the top board

MANCHESTER UNITED have been causing a splash as they enjoy their warm weather training camp in Dubai.

The Red Devils jetted off to the Middle East after the FA Cup victory over Derby County on Friday.

Man United stars showed off their diving skills while on a warm weather training week in Dubai
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Man United stars showed off their diving skills while on a warm weather training week in DubaiCredit: Instagram @Smalling
Manchester United players Chris Smalling, Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera jump from the high board

Jose Mourinho is determined to use the week to get his stars back on track as they aim to close a 15-point gap on Premier League leaders Man City after their break.

But it appears it is not only their foot work that they have been honing, with defender Chris Smalling revealing United's stars have been working on their DIVING!

However, fans should not be too worried - it was all above board... in fact it was from the very top board!

The England international uploaded a video on to his Instagram of himself, Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera taking a leap into a swimming pool as they enjoyed some relaxation time.

Herrera, Smalling and Shaw all took a leap from the top board in front of the camera
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Herrera, Smalling and Shaw all took a leap from the top board in front of the cameraCredit: Instagram @Smalling
Jose Mourinho has taken his squad to Dubai for a few days of work in the sun
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Jose Mourinho has taken his squad to Dubai for a few days of work in the sunCredit: Getty

Perhaps it was Spanish international Herrera who was teaching his colleagues a thing or two, especially after he was booked for simulation during the derby defeat last month.

And after a number of retrospective diving bans recently being dished out, including Everton ace Oumar Niasse, Smalling could not resist accompanying the clip with a tongue in cheek message.

He wrote: "Diving in the modern game is a disgrace!"

Unfortunately for the Old Trafford superstars this was not the first encounter with water in the boiling hot Gulf State.

Boss Mourinho shared a video showing a torrential downpour outside his team's HQ two days ago.

Despite the trio clearly having time to enjoy themselves, there is no doubt that the trip will be a vital one as a number of key men near a return to injury.

Chris Smalling could not resist posting a cheeky caption along with his video
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Chris Smalling could not resist posting a cheeky caption along with his videoCredit: Getty
United were boosted by the presence of long-term injury absentee Michael Carrick on the trip
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United were boosted by the presence of long-term injury absentee Michael Carrick on the tripCredit: Getty
Fellow injury absentee Antonio Valencia is also back in training over in Dubai
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Fellow injury absentee Antonio Valencia is also back in training over in DubaiCredit: Getty
Ander Herrera was recently booked for diving during the Manchester derby
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Ander Herrera was booked for diving during the Manchester derby last monthCredit: AFP

Mourinho was boosted by the presence of experienced duo Antonio Valencia and Michael Carrick taking their seat on the plane earlier this week.

The injured pair are recovering from a hamstring strain and a heart problem respectively.

Red Devils skipper Carrick, 36, has not played since the 4-1 Carabao Cup win over Burton on September 20.

Manchester United's warm-weather break goes awry as rain batters Dubai

And vice-captain Valencia, 32, was taken off after 66 minutes of United's 2-1 Premier League win at West Brom on December 17.

Marouane Fellaini is also seen in the airport amid uncertainty over his future.

United hope the week away will help them in their chase to catch rivals City
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 United hope the week away will help them in their chase to catch rivals CityCredit: Getty
Ander Herrera left) and his United team-mates flew to Dubai two days ago
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Ander Herrera (left) and his United team-mates flew to Dubai two days agoCredit: Getty
Full-back Luke Shaw will be hoping to further impress Mourinho during the trip
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Full-back Luke Shaw will be hoping to further impress Mourinho during the tripCredit: Getty

United's poor run of form over Christmas has seen rivals City storm into an almost insurmountable lead.

But the club still has the Champions League and FA Cup to play for as he looks to secure more silverware.

And a fourth-place finish is far from guaranteed - essential if the Special One wants funds to spend in the summer to catch old foe Pep Guardiola.

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Marcus Rashford shows off fancy footwork during Manchester United training in Dubai
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