United's stars have been returning to the club's Benton-based Training Centre this week in staggered groups until the whole squad assembles on Thursday.

The likes of Shola Ameobi, Mike Williamson, Steven Taylor, Danny Simpson, James Perch, Ryan Taylor, Mehdi Abeid, Dan Gosling, Shane Ferguson and Sammy Ameobi have all passed through the doors already, to be assessed by the Club's fitness staff.

Lactate blood tests were carried out before, during and after a running drill, while the players also underwent power profiling in the gym as part of their preparations for the 2012/13 season.

But it wasn't just the squad kept busy as new training kit continues to be delivered, and throughout the day Club Photographer Ian Horrocks delved behind the scenes to bring us this exclusive gallery.