Ruben Amorim slaps Man Utd star in training and pushes another

Ruben Amorim seemingly hosted a morale-boosting initiation for Manchester United's recently injured players during yesterday's training session. The Portuguese head coach was firmly involved in the squad's camaraderie at Carrington as they prepared for the Europa League clash against Bodo/Glimt.

Amorim will walk out of the Old Trafford tunnel as United boss for the first time tonight as the Norwegian champions come to town.

Almost 7,000 sun-starved Scandanavians are expected to descend on M16 to make up the biggest European away following in the club's history.

And Amorim, desperate to top off a "dream" occasion with his first win in charge of the Red Devils, has ensured his players are in the right frame of mind.

Due to UEFA regulations, cameras were allowed to record 15 minutes of United's training session at Carrington yesterday.

As Amorim's coaching staff awaited on the frost-bitten fields, his players emerged from the dressing room with smiles on their faces.

Before the hard work got underway - and likely to waste a bit of time while the media were waiting for any tactical hints - Amorim ordered a traditional initiation to welcome back injured stars.

After making his training comeback after a few months away, Leny Yoro was spotted receiving the same treatment before the November international break.

And Amorim continued the tradition, jokingly pushing Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw to tell them to run through a tunnel of awaiting teammates.

Spirits were clearly high in the group as the trio rushed through while their pals cheered and slapped them on the head before the hard work started.

Harry Maguire joined Martinez in returning to training ahead of Bodo/Glimt's visit, although Amorim later confirmed that only the latter was available for the game.

Shaw made his first appearance since February in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town, where Mainoo was an unused substitute.

Amorim made no secret of his excitement for his maiden home game since joining United from Sporting, insisting on his strong desire to claim three points.

"It will be a special time. I just want to win the game," the 39-year-old explained in his press conference.

"Before the match, it will be like a new sensation. After the whistle, it will just be another game.

"We have a lot of games, and we are at the beginning of something. We will try to win every game, not just focus on this game and have a clear idea of how to play."