Luke Shaw Insists Fans Will See 'New Man Utd' This Season as Players Adopt Different Mindset

Manchester United full-back Luke Shaw has insisted that fans and opponents will see a 'new United' this season after praising the work being done in pre-season under the watchful eye of Ole Gunner Solskjaer.

Despite an incredibly strong start to life under Solskjaer midway through last season, United badly fell away after March and were limping to the finish line by May.

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Players were criticised for a perceived lack of professionalism and work ethic, but the 180 degree switch in tactics to a pressing game that required far greater fitness levels than the players had been used to under previous boss Jose Mourinho appeared to take its toll.

The summer has now provided Solskjaer with the overdue opportunity to make major changes in terms of fitness, one he didn't have back when he took over in December.

Shaw, who joined United in 2014 as the then world's most expensive teenager, has famously struggled with his fitness in the past. But the 24-year-old has suggested this summer has been the best pre-season he and others have experienced as United players.

"It's probably been the best pre-season so far, training-wise. The manager said last season what he wanted from us, how he wanted to work us hard and get his ideas in," Shaw is quoted as saying by The Sun after sitting down with the print media on United's summer tour.

"This pre-season has been really tough for everyone, physically and, at times, so hard mentally. But it is helping the squad massively. Ole is more focused on keeping the ball, playing out from the back and keeping possession, on the front foot as well with the pressing.

"Now we know as a team what the manager wants and what his ideas are for us to go and do on the pitch. It will be a new United this season. I have no doubt that when the first game of the season comes, we will be flying."

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It has been reported by the Evening Standard this week that data gathered during pre-season has revealed that United players have run 10% more this summer compared to the first two weeks of last year, while high intensity training is up by as much as 50%.

Training has also included 'injury prevention exercises' to help the players cope with the more physically demanding approach that Solskjaer is asking of them.

United finished sixth in the Premier League last season and didn't come close to winning a major trophy in any competition. Meanwhile, Manchester City and Liverpool contested one of the closest Premier League title races in history, Liverpool and Tottenham met in an all-English Champions League final, and Chelsea and Arsenal met in all-English Europa League final.

"I think that's why we've all come back with a different mindset," Shaw continued.

"We had that break to clear our minds but now we're all focused on getting United back where they belong and not let the teams that we've seen in the finals have it that easy. They won't have it as easy as last season."

This is all exactly what fans want to hear, but the proof will be in the pudding come August.