Solskjaer: This feels like a new start

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer feels Manchester United's pre-season tour has improved his squad’s understanding of the new system he wants to play.

The Reds have won all three of our friendlies so far, defeating Perth Glory, Leeds United and Inter Milan, and in his press conference to preview Thursday's live MUTV game against Tottenham Hotspur in Shanghai, Ole reiterated his desire to implement a more active, pressing-based brand of football at United.

“I think it's important that we, as I've said before, start well, because you give yourself a chance then if you have a good start. But then again, it feels like a little bit of a new start,” the Norwegian said.

“We want to find a style that we want to play, on the front foot, so it has to start some time and it's easier in pre-season than in the middle of a season.

“Of course, we spoke about this over the last six months as well and now we're laying the foundations both mentally and physically. The tour has been very good as a team-building one as well.”

The manager was also asked whether the Reds will add to the summer signings of Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka before the transfer window closes on 8 August.

“I'm very happy with the two that you mentioned and we've got to be patient,” replied Solskjaer.

“It's a long haul and it's very important we get the right ones in. When you hit a hurdle, we just can't jump on a different path. So, no, I haven't had a frustrating feeling at all.

“I believe in these players and I'm sure that we could do well [this season]. But it's about both short-term and long-term, so of course when we're working on something, that means we've identified something that could improve us.

“If it's to be or not to be let's see, but these [current] players, as you've said, have played well. We've performed well, we've had some good results and the whole pre-season so far has been encouraging.”