The Portuguese adjusted his plans after the International Champions Cup clash against rivals Manchester City at the Bird’s Nest Stadium in Beijing was cancelled with just five hours’ notice.

United took an 11-hour flight from the Chinese capital back to Manchester through the night but had to report for a two-hour training session as soon as they had returned to the country.

With the impromptu session designed to compensate for the lost match time, owing to torrential rainfall in Asia, Mourinho praised his players after training: “They are a great group of boys and the intensity of the session shows they are very professional in their outlook.”

The Independent understands Mourinho has been given final say on future pre-season arrangements after the splintered trip to Asia which has dented his plans ahead of the new Premier League season.

United posted pictures to the 8.25m followers on their official Twitter account @ManUtd this morning as players including David de Gea, Luke Shaw and Wayne Rooney landed in Manchester earlier than expected.

Mark Ogden: Can't see Utd or City rushing back to China

Mourinho’s men can turn their focus to the match against Galatasaray in Gothenburg this week ahead of Rooney’s testimonial match against Everton at Old Trafford on 3 August.