The sunny skies in Marbella might have come as a shock for Manchester United's players, who would have seen the carnage caused by Storm Ciara back at home.
But the contrasting weather was reflective of United's change in mood — and how they would have been delighted to leave the cauldron of Manchester for a few days' relief. Pressure goes hand in hand with Man United, but even footballers need a break sometimes.
Broad smiles adorned the pictures that were sent back by photographers from the training session in southern Spain on Sunday afternoon, though it might have been the return of to training that cheered a few people up more than anything else.
It's no secret that McTominay is a hugely popular figure inside the United camp these days, and is equally as popular among supporters.
His leadership credentials have been evident, from the moment he chose to speak to reporters after United's 4-0 shellacking at Everton last season — when no other player did — to his impassioned cry of "we go again" during this term's opening day rout of Chelsea. That's not forgetting the giant strides he made technically, as a centre-midfielder, in 2019 before he was cruelly struck down with knee ligament damage on Boxing Day against Newcastle.
It would not be an overstatement to suggest McTominay could return to galvanise United. The timing is ideal.
It's an obvious statement to say he's needed in deep-lying central midfield, where neither Bruno Fernandes nor Andreas Pereira should be playing — but have been forced to, due to a paucity of current options. And the reigniting of his excellent partnership with Fred, supplemented by Fernandes and Paul Pogba, is an exciting prospect for supporters.
But you feel McTominay's mentality and work rate is more important to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad than those other attributes. He's a determined character, a blossoming leader and someone whose energy and verve has been visibly lacking from United's performances in recent weeks. Nemanja Matic has filled in admirably of late, but is a fading force. United's form since McTominay's injury — five wins in 11 games (and only two league wins in six) — tells its own story.
The top four showdown with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, in a week's time, may come too soon for the Scot. In truth, he shouldn't be expected to rush back and risk further injury. United have made that mistake with others this season.
His since hobbling off against Newcastle was a big step forward in itself, but he's not yet ready to train with the main group so, along with Axel Tuanzebe, was restricted to gym work and some running exercises on the Marbella grass.
United's league hopes may rest on the Chelsea fixture, but a run to the Europa League final could save their season and bring Champions League football back to Old Trafford. Plus there's an FA Cup to fight for.
In short, even if McTominay doesn't make the Chelsea game, he can still play a big part in this season.
Solskjaer will be looking towards the 22-year-old to bring his usual blend of passion and perseverance to a United midfield that been saved by the rapidly-improving Fred of late.
With a firing Fred, the option of Pogba and the addition of Fernandes ahead of them, McTominay can really start to make a difference for Solskjaer.
He's hardly the club's forgotten man and it's a cliché to suggest he could be 'like a new signing', but prepare for another dimension to return to the United engine room. It could be the turning point in their campaign.
