Ten Hag admits he is playing catch-up with new technical director Jason Wilcox

Erik ten Hag says he is playing catch-up with Manchester United’s new technical director Jason Wilcox as the club develop their transfer strategy this summer.

Despite uncertainty over his future, Ten Hag is planning for a third season – and fifth transfer window – in charge as he gets to work with the new leadership team put in place by Ineos.

Wilcox started work last week after moving from a similar position at Southampton, with new director of football Dan Ashworth and chief executive Omar Berrada set to follow. Jean-Claude Blanc was installed as interim CEO earlier this week, replacing Patrick Stewart.

Ten Hag insists he has already built up a relationship with Wilcox, but admits time is against United as they look to line up their transfer targets for the summer.

‘We talk every day from now, from last week,’ he said. ‘In a very short period we have to build an intense relationship. We are working now to a plan – we had a plan already before he stepped in, and of course we have to get aligned. It takes time but we don't have so much time.

‘There’s always a lot of work. And it is normal when you go into a transfer window, but the injuries had a big impact. We know also we are still below the levels from the expectations that Manchester United has, so we have to catch up and I'm now going into my fifth window. Two windows were quite okay, two we missed. We have to make new improvements this summer. But there is a base in this squad that is very good.’