Luke tips ‘amazing’ Mason to reach top

style he demanded. Against that backdrop, United’s players have been put through a rigorous pre-season programme in Australia and the Far East, with the results yielding wins over Perth Glory, Leeds and Inter Milan, with the final game on Thursday against Tottenham in Shanghai.

Solskjaer’s players have looked hungry, sharp and in peak physical condition on tour, with Shaw, 24, convinced the fitness and tactical work done in pre-season will see a different United when the new campaign starts.

“For sure this season it will be a new United,” said Shaw. “City and Liverpool won’t have it as easy as last season and people are probably already doubting us, but they can carry on doing that. For me and for us as a team, we know what we’re capable of doing and we’ll have a much better season than last.

“Last season was a massive disappointment. It will be a new United this season, especially with the new ideas the manager is bringing in. They’re very good ideas and the kind of players we have will benefit from the way the manager wants to play.”

City’s success under Pep Guardiola, with the principal remit of playing out from the back and pressing high, has been adopted in pre-season by Solskjaer’s United, who struggled with those concepts last term.

“Ole is more focused on keeping the ball, playing out from the back and keeping possession,” said Shaw. “A lot of times last season we didn’t do that well enough. On the front foot as well, with the pressing, now we know what the manager wants and what his ideas are for us.

“It’s about keeping the ball more and playing as a big team. We want to be winning games, but with possession as well.

“I’ve no doubt that when the first game of the season comes, we’ll be flying. We need to get back to winning ways and lifting trophies.” MASON GREENWOOD is destined for greatness, according to Manchester United team-mate Luke Shaw.

United striker Greenwood, 17, has shone on the club’s pre-season tour, scoring the opener in a 4-0 rout of Leeds and a stunning winner in a 1-0 triumph over Inter Milan.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been so impressed with Greenwood that he said the teenager has a chance of starting United’s Premier League opener at home against Chelsea on August 11.

Shaw has been equally wowed by Greenwood and says the Bradford-born forward has a chance to become a major star for United, given his ability, age and belief in himself.

The England left-back said: “He’s amazing. Mason’s got so much talent and it’s so hard to think he’s still 17.

“It’s not long ago he turned 17, so it’s crazy. He’s got so much talent it’s unbelievable.

“He’s both-footed, but that’s unbelievable for that age. He’s got the maturity level that’s so much above his age, but he’s confident and not cocky.

“So it’s the perfect way to be. We know he believes in himself and we all believe in him.”

Greenwood scored 30 goals in 29 appearances for United’s academy sides last term and made his maiden first-team start in a 2-0 defeat by Cardiff in the final game of the season.

Shaw said: “It’s quite easy to tell when someone’s got something about them as a player.

“Mason has been exceptional and he just needs to carry that on, he needs to work hard and keep his feet firmly on the ground.

“I’ve got no doubts he could be an important player for us come the end of the season.”