The Blades completed a long and heavy day late on Tuesday by arriving safely in Malta for the latest section of their pre-season programme.

Kevin Blackwell put his squad through a tough training schedule at Shirecliffe in the morning before the evening three hour plus flight to the Mediterranean island, home of the Club's major sponsor.

In contrast to damp and chilly Sheffield the island is baking in sunshine and the temperature was still above 25C when the flight landed just after midnight.

United are based in Sliema and the players were allowed a lie-in before hitting the streets in late morning for a walk, followed by a short run, to ease any aching limbs.

The first proper training session is in the evening because temperatures during the day are far too hot, and will be followed by early morning sessions for the same reason.

Achilles tendon victim Gary Naysmith is in the party continuing his rehabilitation, along with triallists Glen Little and Julian Gray, along with Academy youngsters Connor Brown and Nathan Foster who get a taste of first-team life.