Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has admitted that the club's pre-season training has been difficult ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

The Red Devils are currently on tour in South Africa before they move on to China and Europe.

"We've only been doing two or three days so we're still a way off being ready for a game," the 37-year-old, told MUTV. "Hopefully, in the next 10 days, we'll be ready and raring to go.

"It is difficult. Ask any footballer: it's the most difficult part of the season where you're mainly running with a little bit of football here and there.

"I wouldn't say I look forward to it but I know it's something we've got to do and, in two or three weeks, we'll feel the benefit from it."

United finish their pre-season schedule in Germany before their Premier League opener at Everton on Monday, August 20.