It was challenging being caretaker boss and then permanent manager, and having a difficult end to the season. But do you see the new era beginning now really?

“Not really, as those five to six months that we had from December has been great knowledge for me. We can see the ups and downs and you can see the capabilities of the players, and what we can do when we’re at our best. At Manchester United, and in the Premier League, I have to say, you have to be at our best for long, long periods. You’ve got to be consistent. You can see the top two teams last season were so consistent. We’ve got to get up there so that’s great knowledge and learning for us, and great experience. Of course, to have the pre-season together and lay down the foundations and principles to get the fitness, the tactics and the mentality right, and to get the team gelled as one, is important.”



So how excited are you to walk out at Old Trafford again against Chelsea?

“I can’t wait. Then again, I can’t wait to get on tour and have the first game against Perth Glory. I think that’s the first time we’ll see them in the new shirt, in the kit, and that means something. We’ve got some great games coming up as preparation. So, by 11 August, there’s a hungry, fit and smiley squad coming out on to that pitch.”



Finally, have you got a message for our amazing fans?

“We can’t wait to see them. We can’t wait to get started on this journey to become the real Man United that we know we can be.”



All six of Manchester United's pre-season games will be available to watch live on MUTV, including the clashes with Tottenham Hotspur, Inter Milan and AC Milan.

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