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#1 A solid pre-season
Fitness is the prime reason for United's struggles this season. The players have looked out of pace, being outrun and outfought by most of their opponents. During the 4-0 loss at Goodison Park, the Everton players ran 8 km more than the United team.
The lack of robustness has deprived the team of intensity and work-rate at times. Since Solskjaer arrived at Old Trafford, he has demanded sound work-ethic and diligence from his team.
The United manager was asked about his side's fitness issues after the loss at Everton, and he responded by saying:
"Of course, we know our fitness is nowhere near good enough. I’ve said it before, I can’t wait to get a pre-season done."
“I want them to be the hardest working team. That’s what we were, under Sir Alex. You ran more than anyone every single week, a shift up and down that pitch for your teammates, and we have to stick together as a team."
During the vacant week in January, the Old Trafford outfit had warm weather training in Dubai to regain some physical fitness. It proved to be a right decision as United covered up lost ground in the league, and some excellent results in FA Cup and Champions League followed.
The preparations before this season were chaotic because the players reported late due to the World Cup. Despite a good fitness regime in Dubai, the players have lost their steam due to the non-existent early season practice.
The lack of fitness in Solskjaer's group has been targeted by the opposition players. They have elicited basic errors from the United side by using their intensity and pressing them in crucial areas.
Manchester United have announced their pre-season schedule, where they are traveling to Singapore, China and Australia; the run commences on 13th July. The manager and his team would need to work hard on fitness and tactics if they want to kick-start their campaign next season on a bright note.
