Paul Pogba leaps on Romelu Lukaku’s back as Manchester United stars piggyback around in LA training
Old Trafford boss whipped his squad into shape in the searing California heat during pre-season session
MANCHESTER UNITED’S pre-season training session here in Los Angeles will have left nobody in any doubt as to Jose Mourinho’s determination to make a title bid this COMING season.
In the baking 100 degree heat at UCLA’s Drake Stadium there was a real intensity to Mourinho’s work with his squad.
No joking, no playful five-a-sides or light warm ups, this was full on with the boss at the centre of all things, directing his players as they broke into groups to do different sessions.
New signing Romelu Lukaku was out there with his new teammates and the £75million capture of the striker from under Chelsea’s nose has really energised the club ahead of the new season.
With Wayne Rooney having gone with his best days already behind him and Zlatan Ibrahimovic no longer with the club there was a big hole to fill in terms of goals.
They believe they have got that with Lukaku.
He was Mourinho’s second signing this summer after the £31million capture of Victor Lindelof and the club have not given up in their pursuits of Eric Dier of Spurs and Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic.
They would be strong additions to what are already firm foundations at United which were laid last season.
Yes, the Premier League campaign was disappointing as they came in sixth.
But the double of EFL Cup and Europa League gave the club a huge boost after three difficult seasons since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
Mourinho’s biggest success last season was getting the club’s spirit back.
His words, his passion on the touchline, his interaction with the fans after big wins has really lifted the mood.
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The atmosphere at the end of the season in the Friends Arena in Stockholm was electric as Mourinho approached the United end after lifting Europa League the trophy and took their acclaim.
There was a real sense that United were back.
Mourinho said he now knew all about his squad, knew who he wanted to add and had a clear vision of where the club is going this coming season.
For him the only way is up.
And beneath a baking sun at UCLA it was very clear that the boss is already focussed on getting that title back to Old Trafford.