What has changed for Man Utd? Ole Gunnar Solskjaer highlights 'big shift' between Chelsea results

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Manchester United are already reaping the rewards of a tough pre-season on the pitch.

United started the 2019-20 campaign in perfect fashion with a 4-0 Premier League victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford's first-half penalty gave United the edge, but the Red Devils took full control after the break with goals from Anthony Martial (65'), Rashford (67') and Daniel James (81') as Chelsea wilted at the Theatre of Dreams.

Fitness levels within the United squad appear far higher than they did at the end of the 2018-19 campaign, when Solskjaer's superb run of results replaced with lethargic performances which cost them any chance of a top-four finish.

Solskjaer made fitness a key concern during the summer, and United's hard work on the training ground appears to be paying off.

Speaking ahead of Monday's trip to Wolves, Solskjaer highlighted the difference between United's last two results against Chelsea: the Red Devils were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on April 28, and looked short of both confidence and verve as the Blues sat on a point which went a long way to sealing Champions League qualification.

Solskjaer compared that performance to last weekend's 4-0 drubbing, and says the young make-up of his squad coupled with their quality and determination will make them a fearsome proposition this season.

"There's a big shift from the difference between the teams," Solskjaer said. "Chelsea outrun us quite a lot in April, three games ago in the league.

"Now we've outran them, so of course that's a good shift for us but it's not just about that fitness.

"Fitness is important and we had a young team, so I expected loads of energy in them anyway, but we also have quality."

Additional reporting by the Press Association.