Sheffield United stay tightlipped on Dubai trip

United are set to spend the rest of the week in the emirate, before returning to South Yorkshire to finalise preparations for February 22nd’s game against Brighton and Hove Albion.

With the Premier League voting to introduce a staggered winter break at the beginning of the campaign, Wilder and his squad decided to travel abroad immediately after Sunday’s victory over AFC Bournemouth.

Although the 52-year-old has made his reservations about the concept clear, he insisted United will “make the best” and “seek to maximise” their time overseas.

But Wilder refused to elaborate on the details of their agenda, saying: “It’s top secret. I’m not going to tell anyone what we’re going to be up to.

“All I will say is that we’re going to do a bit of both: have some rest and also get through some work.”

United’s owner HRH Prince Abdullah bin Musa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and some of his closest advisors, including former Marseille assistant Jan van Winckel, are expected to join Wilder and his players in the city to review the club’s activity during the recent transfer window; which saw five new faces, including record signing Sander Berge, unveiled at Bramall Lane.

“There’s going to be plenty to be getting on with,” Wilder said. “But I think we’re all looking forward to getting back into action.”