Paul Scholes has closely watched Manchester United’s pre-season activity and believes Ruben Amorim issued his struggling squad with a new rule ahead of the Premier League campaign
Paul Scholes believes Ruben Amorim ordered his Manchester United squad to raise their fitness levels before reporting for pre-season duty. The United legend closely monitored the team’s pre-season tour in the USA, where he saw them clinch the Premier League Summer Series with a strong victory over West Ham United, a convincing 4-1 win over Bournemouth, and a 2-2 draw against Everton.
Despite a commendable performance stateside, Amorim remained cautious in his outlook following last season’s poor results. However, Scholes observed an uptick in the team’s fitness and health compared to last term.
The 11-time Premier League winner was confident Amorim challenged his players to overhaul their fitness. To support his theory, he picked out United academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo, who has added more muscle to his previously slender physique.
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On The Overlap Fan Debate, Scholes, when asked about Mainoo, said: “I thought he looked fitter. To be fair, I think they all looked a little bit fitter. I think it was a rule, they had to come back in a certain condition by the looks of all of them.”
In a recent chat with ESPN, Amorim discussed his commitment to elevating the club’s culture by enhancing standards across the board. He said: “You know that this is my job. Everyone knows that.
“That looks like a small thing, but it’s a big thing. I think we improved in even the medical department, the nutrition. We are so much better. What we eat, the way we behave on tour, on the pitch.
“The rules. I think everything is important. I know that [the players] are not kids and I don’t treat the players like kids. But I think these small rules can help a group to be strong.”
Amorim also added: “I don’t treat the players as babies. If you don’t train in the right way, I have footage to show you and I show you in front of everybody.”
United have been active in the summer transfer market, kicking off with a £62.5million acquisition of Wolves‘ Matheus Cunha, followed by the signing of promising Paraguayan defender Diego Leon. The Red Devils then found themselves entangled in a protracted pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo, which culminated in him signing for a sum which could reach £71m.
Benjamin Sesko is also on the cusp of joining Old Trafford in a deal worth up to £73.7m. But instead of focusing on the new faces, Scholes was particularly impressed with Mainoo’s performances in the USA.
Last season, the Carrington academy product was hampered by injuries and often struggled to earn Amorim’s trust. After seeing him in pre-season, Scholes singled out the 20-year-old and urged him to cement his spot in Amorim’s midfield duo.
Scholes added: “I think we spoke last year about, what they lack in the midfield is that controlling midfield player. I thought that was going to be him (Mainoo). It seems like it’s a little bit confused now. Can he be that midfielder again?”.
“Can he be that midfielder who can play in a two, but he’ll obviously need a lot of legs around him? Or, is he now one of the No. 10s? I’m just confused.”
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
