Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reportedly planned a gruelling pre-season training camp for his players to get them in shape for the 2019-20 campaign.
The Red Devils boss recently confessed that it will be difficult to bridge the gap on top-two sides Liverpool and Manchester City in the space of one transfer window.
According to The Sun, Solskjaer will get tough with his misfiring squad in the summer so that they can hit the ground running next term.
Solskjaer is said to have held meetings with training-ground staff earlier this week to inform them that he wants the facilities ready for July 1, when the majority of his players will report back.
A source is quoted by the publication as saying: "Staff have been in meetings at Carrington this week and told that all essential staff need to be around for the start of July.
"He's wants the pitches ready because he wants to kick off with a major boot camp style fitness regime. It certainly sounds more serious than it has done for a few years.
"He wants a lot of the core fitness work done before they head out to Australia so they can concentrate more on tactics and team in matches.
"A few of the lads thought they might have an extra few days rest but it is being made clear that Ole is cracking the whip.
"The exact date for each player to be back hasn't been finalised yet, but some will be back in on July 1, some on the 3rd and some on the 5th."
United's first pre-season friendly is scheduled to take place in Australia on July 13.
Daniel Lewis
