In temperatures many degrees lower than in Morocco, Amad and Bryan Mbeumo returned to familiar surroundings, following their Africa Cup of Nations exploits.
In fact, there were a few hats on show to ward off the chill, but a buzz of excitement generated by the sight of Carrick and his coaching team mixing with the players, offering instructions, advice and support, with everyone clearly keen to impress.
Such eagerness was clear from the outset of a brisk session, with the players wasting little time in heading from the gym and straight into an initial light warm-up, ended by a shrill peep from Jonathan Woodgate's whistle.