MAN UNITED 3, STOKE CITY 0
Jose Mourinho spoke about the mid-season break in Dubai as a time for Manchester United to “refresh and refocus”.
And that certainly looked the case as the Reds brushed past relegation-threatened Stoke City at Old Trafford.
Goals from Antonio Valencia, Anthony Martial and Romelu Lukaku cut Manchester City’s advantage at the top of the table from 15 to 12 points.
And with Alexis Sanchez’ imminent arrival from Arsenal, United’s manager will have extra firepower to call upon as they attempt to make further inroads into City’s seemingly unassailable lead.