Inside day one of our training camp

With the players now back from the international break and a week still to go before we entertain Leeds at Old Trafford, boss Michael Carrick wanted to get the group together, away from Carrington, to reset and refocus.

It’s a hugely important time of the campaign, as although United have been statistically the best team in the Premier League since Carrick and his staff were appointed in January, there is still lots of work to do.

Seven games have still to be played between now and the end of the season and, with a UEFA Champions League place still up for grabs, nothing is being left to chance as the team seeks to benefit from new surroundings in the Republic of Ireland, just outside the capital, Dublin.

After the Easter weekend, the lads reported in at Carrington on Monday afternoon, with media duties to fulfil for captain Bruno Fernandes first up.

Our Portuguese magnifico claimed both the club’s and the league’s Player of the Month awards for March, and was pictured showing off his two prizes – surely that mantelpiece at home is getting a little crowded now, Bruno?

When that was done and dusted, it was off to the airport, to catch the short flight over the water and the mood among the group was positive as we swapped the early spring sunshine of Manchester for similar conditions in Ireland.

Carrick has taken 25 players over to Dublin and each was greeted with a rapturous welcome when the coaches pulled up to the hotel, set in the lush, green surroundings of County Kildare.

It is really one of the pleasures and privileges of the job to travel far and wide and see how loved United are.

It’s no different over here, despite the relatively short distance compared to some of our past trips.

There will be plenty of attention over the coming days, as the Reds get down to business, ready for the resumption.

It’s a real rarity to have such a long pause during a season, especially as many of our rivals for the European places have busy schedules this week.

Of course, the aim for us now is to be in that position this time next year.

To achieve that, the groundwork laid over the next few days could be key.