ivaldo
Mediocre Horse Whisperer, s'up wid chew?
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Interesting read. Most of it is clarifying what we already know/suspect, but it's certainly encouraging.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49144693
A couple of key points:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49144693
A couple of key points:
On training and fitness:
At the end of last season, when United's encouraging response to a change of manager gave way to a series of disappointing performances that culminated in an away draw at Huddersfield - who had taken four points from their previous 23 Premier League games - and a home defeat by already-relegated Cardiff, Solskjaer knew his squad were simply not fit enough for the front-foot style he wanted to implement.
United addressed that problem at the historic Waca cricket ground in Perth, which they used as their training base during an 11-day stay in Western Australia...
...Interestingly though, high-intensity work rose by 50% on the previous summer. During the two games in Australia, against Perth Glory and Leeds United, total distance covered rose by 10%, although, in the heat and humidity of Singapore and Shanghai that fell slightly in matches against Inter Milan and Tottenham.
Although most certainly not a return to the old days of going on long runs to build up endurance, Solskjaer does place value on running and expects an element of this in most aspects of training, even during tactical drills.
There were more gym sessions and more preventative work on the hamstring and groin areas, in addition to a greater amount of core strengthening work.
This might be viewed as routine stuff. But Solskjaer felt he had to address the fitness of his squad as a matter of urgency. In his view, Mourinho had built it to counter attack, not to dominate and press as sides such as Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham do, and which he feels United's tradition demands.
By its nature, this requires greater fitness, allied, in theory, to better technical ability. It is no surprise City are one of the Premier League's most hard-working sides, in addition to the most skilful.
"We've been working on intensity and pressing," said Solskjaer. "We've got players who like to be on the front foot and we want that to continue.
On Transfers:
And, with just over a week left before the English transfer window closes, his squad is still not the one he wants.
Lukaku seems certain to leave. A new central defender - specifically Maguire - is the top target but there are alternatives, and one will surely come in.
Confidence has been expressed often that Pogba will remain at the club but if he did leave for Real Madrid or Juventus, the Frenchman would need replacing. Either way, further strengthening in midfield is possible.
Some senior squad men may go as Solskjaer intends to use younger players, such as striker Mason Greenwood, in the Europa League rather than pack his team with experienced ones who cannot get a game in the Premier League.
Whatever the eventual make-up of the squad, the Norwegian will have the final say: "There won't be any players here I don't want."