Manchester United pre-season focus on fitness

Paul Scholes notes a fitter Kobbie Mainoo and signals a broader fitness approach under Ruben Amorim during pre-season.

Scholes praises Mainoo fitness under Amorim at Manchester United

Paul Scholes said Kobbie Mainoo looked fitter when United reported for pre-season with Ruben Amorim in charge. United began the summer with a 0-0 friendly against Leeds in Europe and then took part in the Summer Series in the United States, finishing with two victories and a draw and ending with a 2-2 result against Everton.

Scholes has also been frank about Mainoo's position in Amorim's system. He previously suggested that the England midfielder could be the holding midfielder in a two man pivot or one of the two No 10s. He admitted he is unsure about the best fit going into the season and that Amorim may be enforcing a fitness based standard across the squad as part of his approach.

The focus on fitness signals a broader shift at United that prioritizes conditioning and squad readiness. It could boost early sharpness and set a strong baseline, but it also risks pressuring players to win decision making through conditioning rather than clear tactical roles. The public dialogue around Mainoo shows how fans watch young players and how management signals shape expectations.

Amorim's influence on midfield roles and the call for a defined path for Mainoo raise questions about balancing youth development with results. If Mainoo does not settle as a pivot, United may need more midfield competition or a system adjustment to use his strengths. The next few matches will reveal whether this fitness push translates into real midfield control.

Highlights

The season will test how United balances a fitness culture with on pitch demands.