Ruben Amorim planning team-bonding trips at Man Utd to fill midweek gaps after humiliating Carabao Cup exit

The Red Devils will, in the wake of a humiliating Carabao Cup exit at the hands of League Two side Grimsby, play just one midweek fixture - a Premier League clash with West Ham on December 3 - before Christmas.

Collective struggles last season mean that United are not competing in Europe this term, with focus being narrowed on domestic action. One route to major silverware there has already been shut off, with inconsistency proving to be an all too familiar issue.

According to The Sun, Amorim wants to make the most of enforced breaks in the Red Devils’ fixture list. He wants to take his squad to the Algarve or Middle East for warm weather training camps.

The intention is to strengthen the bond in United’s ranks by taking in the odd change of scenery. Amorim is said to believe that time spent in the U.S. over the summer - when competing in the Premier League Summer Series - brought his players closer together.

Mini breaks are said to have been discussed with United chiefs, but are yet to be signed off. No trips will be sanctioned during October and November, with too many players away on international duty with their respective countries.

United, who returned to winning ways when grinding out a dramatic 3-2 victory over Burnley last time out, will be back in Premier League action on September 14 when taking in a derby date with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.