Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson, 68, watched over his charges in Doha, Qatar on Jan. 11 as they escaped the UK’s frigid weather

UK soccer fans suffered through tough times in January as heavy snow and the coldest weather to hit the nation in 30 years forced the cancellation of numerous games, including seven Premier League matches on Sunday, Jan. 10. But perennial contenders Manchester United, led by long-time head coach Sir Alex Ferguson, found respite from the cold, heading south that Sunday to Doha, Qatar for a four-day warm-weather training session at the luxurious Aspire sporting academy. Sir Alex has been in charge of Manchester United since 1986, making him the longest-tenured coach in the league and the second longest in the club’s storied history.

In mid January, Man U was ensconced in its usual position near the top of the Premier League standings. The Scotsman Ferguson turned 68 on Dec. 31.