Man United admits logistical issues

It is not unusual for United to embark on the first part of its northern summer campaign with only half a squad, after all, it happens after every major tournament.

Neither is it unknown for players to be left behind due to injuries, even if the absence of four senior members of Sir Alex Ferguson's first-team - including Darren Fletcher - is a bit excessive.

What has made this year's Premier League countdown more complicated is the Olympics, in particular Team GB's rare participation in it.

It has robbed Sir Alex Ferguson of the services of Ryan Giggs and Tom Cleverley, plus goalkeeper David de Gea and fullback Rafael.

The problem would have been even worse if Ferguson had not put his foot down to prevent Javier Hernandez being selected as an over-age player for Mexico.

Nevertheless, trying to slot in players at three stages of a pre-season campaign that kicks off in Durban is no easy task.

"It is very difficult," said Strudwick.

"We are not alone in this, other clubs would have similar issues.

"But it has been the most challenging pre-season trying to piece it all together.

"Effectively we have three different groups; the one that came back as normal, who will get a regular pre-season, the middle group, who played in the Euros. By and large they will have four weeks preparation going into the new season. That is not optimum but we will deal with it.

"Then we have the Olympic guys, not just the British ones but David and Rafael as well."

With the Olympic final scheduled for 11 August at Wembley, it raises the realistic possibility of Ferguson not seeing at least one member of his squad, and quite possibly more, until United's build-up, save for one trip to his old club Aberdeen, is over.

For those affected, it leaves Ferguson completely reliant on national teams, in this instance GB, Spain and Brazil, having fitness programmes that dovetail with United's own.

"It is not a typical situation," said Strudwick.

"We are reliant on those international teams getting the players fit.

"We will have to do different things in terms of getting them sharp for the new season."