5 take-aways from Manchester United's pre-season so far

#1 The team looks fitter and hungrier

Manchester United have looked a lot fitter compared to last season

What a difference a few months can make. When Solskjaer took over the Manchester United caretaker job in December, he was essentially handed over the reins of Jose Mourinho's team. And while United were magnificent under his stewardship in the initial months, pretty soon it became clear that their heavy pressing, attacking football had taken its toll.

The United squad was not prepared enough to adjust to this sudden change in tactics in the middle of the season, and Solskjaer couldn't wait for the season to end.

2018-19 did finish in disappointment, but optimists could see that there were endless possibilities if the Norwegian was afforded time. A stellar transfer window was essential, but what Solskjaer wanted more was a change in attitude and an improvement in the conditioning of his players.

Pre-season training has been rigorous and the players have been pushed to the limits. And if the four games are an indication, the changes are already blooming.

United look leaner, meaner and hungrier on the pitch. There is a desire to get the ball in every player, and the pressing has been a constant feature. With the ball in possession, the Red Devils have been fast and furious too, and the squad seems to finally be making the transition to a Solskjaer team.

Whether they can continue this form until the last day of the upcoming season is another story. But United fans have every right to be optimistic.