The majority of Eddie Howe's squad had reported back on Sunday, but the club's international stars - including new signing Tonali, Sven Botman, Fabian Schär, Joelinton, Miguel Almirón and Anthony Gordon - were given a few extra days to recover.

But all were back at Benton on Friday, and there were plenty of smiles before they got down to work with gym sessions, testing and some running outside. United kick off their pre-season campaign at Gateshead on Saturday, then face Rangers before heading to the USA for the inaugural Premier League Summer Series.

And they'll round off their friendly fixtures with home games against Fiorentina and Villarreal on consecutive days on the first weekend of August in the Sela Cup, presented by VisitMalta - tickets are on sale here. Already back in the swing of things ahead of the upcoming campaign, club photographer Serena Taylor brought nufc.co.uk this gallery from Darsley Park.