Manchester United's players have been forced to up their work rate by 50 per cent as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer plans to implement a high-energy game to rival Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp.
The Norwegian accepts his players suffered burn out at the end of last season after feeling the effects of his demanding regime when taking over from Jose Mourinho in December.
He is determined to ensure there is no repeat of that alarming collapse, which saw Man Utd win just one of their last nine games and miss out on Champions League qualification.
They have been put through gruelling double sessions, with greater emphasis on running than even tactical drills or games.
Solskjaer is adamant fitness will be key to closing the gap on Manchester City and Liverpool, with United's outstanding form in his first weeks in charge seen as evidence of their ability to compete with the best.
It is felt the players simply weren't physically capable of coping with Solskjaer's demands - ultimately leading to their campaign unravelling in spectacular fashion.
The United manager has forensically examined statistics on the dip in running and short bursts that back up his theory.
As do the spate of injuries suffered, with three players going down with hamstring problems in one game against Liverpool.
Solskjaer is working closely with Rich Hawkins, head of athletic training services, and lead sports scientist Ed Leng to ensure there is not a repeat.
Players were put through a rigorous routine upon their return from their holidays.
Compared to the first two weeks of Jose Mourinho's last pre-season, they had undergone two more sessions, with the total running distance up 10 percent and high intensity training increased by 50 percent.
They even trained on the morning of the first game on their tour to Australia, Singapore and China against Perth Glory.
Sessions begin with injury prevention exercises, focusing on hamstring, groin and core on a daily basis.
The determination is to ensure the players are more robust to cope with the front foot, high pressure style Solskjaer plans to implement.
Jesse Lingard, who has been earmarked for a role at the point of United's midfield and is seen as key to their pressing game, is among those who have responded best to the new regime.
Having worked under Solskjaer as a reserve, he was prepared for the dramatic change in intensity.
Likewise Scott McTominay, who worked under Warren Joyce - Solskjaer's co manager with United's reserves before taking on the job alone for six years from 2010.
"He was mad!" said McTominay. "He is a top, top man Warren Joyce, but some of the pre-seasons we had with him were absolutely ridiculous.
"It's been good to have one like that this year as well. The running, the training hard is perfect, but it's the details that we're trying to get right this preseason."
Luke Shaw echoed those thoughts, adding: "Pre-season has been very difficult, especially Ole wanting to make sure we work very hard, but the sessions have been great and the match fitness is coming along nicely.
"The fans can expect a much better season than last. This season I'm sure they will be celebrating again, hopefully with trophies at the end of it."
McTominay's energy is among the qualities Solskjaer values most in the midfielder – and he is expected to be handed greater responsibility following the departure of Ander Herrera at the end of the season.
"That's always been my goal," he said. "It's my ambition to be a regular No6, No8, a box to box player. It's important that I really go for that now.
"Obviously there is an opportunity there and you've got to take it with both hands. Last year I had some decent performances and it's important that I carry on from that."
Solskjaer is still hoping to add at least one midfielder before the transfer window closes, with Newcastle's Sean Longstaff a target.
McTominay added: "Regardless of what other signings come in or who plays where, you have to back yourself to be a Man United player. That's one thing that I've done over the last two years, I've always backed myself.
"I've tried to train hard and I've always wanted to do extra things to try to give me that one percent difference.
"When it comes to crucial times in big games like Barcelona or PSG in the Champions League, it's important that you're ready for them.
"The main thing for me is to be ready. Mentally, physically, everything. I need to be ready whenever I'm needed and when I'm asked."
