Erik ten Hag says meetings around transfers will take place at Manchester United during the break

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Erik ten Hag has confirmed meetings about transfer business will happen at Manchester United during their forthcoming extended break.

United have already played their final game of September, beating Sheriff 2-0 last night in their second game of the Europa League group stage.

This Sunday’s game against Leeds United has been called off, to go with last weekend’s cancelled clash against Crystal Palace.

That means United do not play again until after the international break, with the next match the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium on 2 October.

Ten Hag confirms Manchester United transfer meetings

Speaking to the club’s official website after the game, the Dutchman was asked for his plans for the time between now and the next game.

He said: “It’s very useful. We have many meetings, we have to improve the structures in and around the club.

“We will also look to the window in January or next summer already to improve our way of playing by making plans. Of course, [you get these] periods after a game, but we have to be ready for that and many players, let’s say 90 per cent, are away.

“But the others, we will train properly and for the rest we have to prepare very well. I hope that everyone stays fit and return back healthy and then we have to get into attack.”

Ten Hag has a reputation as a meticulous planner and he has now been handed an unexpectedly extended opportunity to do just that without the immediate pressure of a game.

It is important that he takes that opportunity because October is going to frantic and then November and December will be interrupted by the World Cup.

Of course, he may use the showpiece in Qatar as another opportunity to discuss transfer business, by which time the winter window will be right around the corner.

It is also promising that despite the short term improvement on the pitch, Ten Hag has not lost sight of the longer term need to improve in all areas of the club; performance on the pitch, recruitment structures and behind the scenes organisation.