MANCHESTER UNITED Rising star Anthony Elanga thinks the Red Devils just weren’t fit enough last season.
The team dropped to their worst ever Premier League points total as they struggled to become interim boss Ralph Rangnick‘s high pressing game.
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But the 20-year-old Swede is convinced during a pre-season here in Melbourne that things will change under the new boss Erik Ten Hag.
Elanga said: “We have worked a lot, not only on the ball, but also off the ball.
“We know we weren’t as fit last season. I think we’re even fitter this season, running for the team, running off the ball, running with the ball, so that basic running and pushing is really important.
“That’s one of the things the manager has brought into the team and we really believe in it.”
Elanga was part of a team that has had two impressive matches on tour so far Beat Liverpool 4-0 and Melbourne Victory 4-1.
He believes a step has been taken with all players trying to convince the new manager of their value for the coming season.
The 20-year-old frontman said: “I feel like everyone wants to impress, especially now that we have a new manager, a new system and a new style of play. I think it’s important that everyone tried to impress, it starts in the preparation.
“Since the start, he has just brought good energy and the team has immersed themselves in it. We all enjoyed every game, the sessions, it’s all about taking it step by step.
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“We are all really looking forward to the season, but we have pre-season first.
“We’ve really enjoyed it so far, scoring goals. It also starts in training, scoring goals in training and then bringing that into the games, which I think is very important.”
“We’re getting to know this manager’s style of play. It’s been a great two weeks so far, being with him and taking it session by session and it’s been really good so far.
“The new manager is in, so we have to get into his details and this new playing philosophy and his management style.
“We’re taking it session by session and it’s been really good.”
United is poised to take on known foes Crystal Palace and Aston Villa next as they continue their pre-season tour.
They will then take on La Liga’s Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano at the end of July.
Ten Hag will then play his first Premier League game at Old Trafford against Brighton.