Welcome to Manchester: Cristiano Ronaldo trains at the Etihad stadium ahead of Real Madrid's tie with Manchester United

Jose Mourinho took the unusual decision to train at Manchester City's stadium rather than Old Trafford

Cristiano Ronaldo at the Etihad Stadium (GETTY IMAGES)

Real Madrid have arrived in England ahead of tomorrow's Champions League tie against Manchester United.

While visiting teams normally train at the home team's stadium, manager Jose Mourinho took the unusual decision to put his side through their paces at the Etihad Stadium instead.

No official reason has been given for the choice to train at the home of Manchester City, although Jose Mourinho is famed for playing mind games and selecting the ground of United's great rivals could be a tactic employed to disturb Sir Alex Ferguson's team.

Real Madrid played at the Etihad earlier in the season after they were drawn in the same Champions League group as City. That match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Cristiano Ronaldo came off the plane from Madrid wearing his tracksuit and a woolly hat and was seen going through some light stretches in the 15 minute window open to the media.

Iker Casillas, who is reportedly in with a chance of starting against United having been out with a broken finger since January, was also present for the session.

United and Real are level at 1-1 ahead of tomorrow evening's second leg last-16 tie.