Ole Gunnar Solskjaer issues warning to Manchester United players
What's the story
Record Premier League title holders Manchester United endured a tough season, finishing on the sixth spot in the league. As they failed to earn a Champions League spot, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is unhappy with the attitude of players. Meanwhile, ahead of the pre-season campaign, he has issued a strict warning to all his players. Here is more on it.
Stern fitness
Solskjaer warns United players to be completely fit during pre-season
The EPL season has just gotten over and the players will enjoy a much-needed break. They also have to fulfill their international duties during this break. However, Solskjaer has warned that players need to completely fit ahead of their pre-season campaign. He further warned that failing to prove fitness would lead to players being dropped during the pre-season tour.
Double trouble
United players to undergo double training session during pre-season
Solskjaer has already sketched out a tough training regime for the players ahead of the pre-season tour. They would undergo a double training session, before beginning their pre-season tour in Australia. Players would also be examined for weight and body fat, along with saliva and bleep tests. Also, each player would have a separate fitness regime.
Act fast
Solskjaer wants United to finish players signings before pre-season
As United are eyeing a number of teenage players this summer, Solskjaer has urged the management to finish the player signings prior to the pre-season. This would allow players to participate in the pre-season and help Solskjaer analyze them better for proper utilization once the season gets started. However, it is still not clear as to exactly how many players would United sign.
Early bird
Luke Shaw back to training to impress Solskjaer
In one of the strangest developments defender Luke Shaw, who has been injury-prone for a couple of seasons, has joined United training center in Carrington. Having played 40 games this season, he is hungry for more and aims success with United. While his early return to training might impress Solskjaer, it remains to be seen if he joins England for international ties.
Author's take
Solskjaer should be concerned about fitness
Ever since Solskjaer took up the managerial role in December, he has been baffled by the poor level of fitness of the players. The author completely agrees with Solskjaer's demand of top fitness during pre-season, as he looks to build enough stamina in his players to go all the way. We also believe this would help them stay strong mentally.
Next venture
United eye perfect pre-season start
As of now, United are scheduled to begin their pre-season campaign from July 13 with the tour of Australia, playing Perth Glory, and Leeds United (July 17). It would be followed by Inter Milan on July 20, Tottenham Hotspur on July 25, Kristiansund on July 30 and AC Milan on August 3. The EPL season is scheduled to start from August 10.