Erik ten Hag lauded Old Trafford’s new football structure for their proactive attitude to moves, saying it is ‘what clubs like Manchester United should do’.

United have already completed agreements for Joshua Zirkzee (£35.7 million) and Leny Yoro (£58.9 million) in transfer window, and Ten Hag is glad to see Ineos’ structure ‘on the front foot’.

The signings of Zirkzee and Yoro have resolved the two key positions for the summer, with the latter making his debut for the club in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Rangers at Murrayfield. Ineos has obtained these transfers, with Dan Ashworth serving as sporting director, Jason Wilcox as technical director, and Christopher Vivell as interim head of recruitment.

United are now in a position where they must sell to raise finances, with Ten Hag acknowledging that it is a balancing act since he wants a stronger team this season to deal with the increased number of games, with the Europa League group stage now two matches longer. He also wants to improve the squad’s quality, and United is still after Matthijs de Ligt, while Manuel Ugarte and Martin Zubimendi are two candidates for center midfield.

Another center-back and a midfielder are expected to join this summer, with one of those players likely to be sold. If Aaron Wan-Bissaka leaves the club, a full-back might be pursued, as the former Crystal Palace right-back is attracting Premier League interest.

“Yes, there is competition, and we need excellent players. But you also need quantity since the season is going to be even difficult than previous, so we have to be prepared,” Ten Hag remarked.

“That [we need to sell] is certainly apparent, but we want to have the strongest squad possible. I believe that the football leadership is currently in a strong position. I believe that is what clubs like Manchester United should do.

“We’re very thrilled to have done business with Yoro and Zirkzee, two high-potential assets for the future. However, when I say future, I also mean today. The next game is usually the most crucial, as is the following season.”

The agreements completed thus far have an emphasis on youth, with 23-year-old Zirkzee and Yoro only 18 years old, though the teenager appeared to be ready to play a significant role in his 45-minute outing at Murrayfield. Ten Hag was happy with his performance after only one training session with his new teammates and told United’s more experienced centre-backs that he believes the teenager is ready to play a crucial part at the heart of the defence this season.

“He’s here, we think he can play but there’s so many games to come that he’ll be in a group of four or five,” stated the coach.

“I believe this is the most mature performance I’ve seen after only one training session. That’s what we witnessed when scouting him. It’s wonderful to have him. He’s a very young, talented centre-back with a lot to offer.”