Erik ten Hag explains “intense relationship” he wants to build with Man United director

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has explained the kind of “intense relationship” he must build with Jason Wilcox ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Reds appointed Wilcox as technical director last month after they reached an agreement with Southampton over a compensation fee.

Wilcox, 53, has already been tasked with assessing Ten Hag’s squad. If the club does not reach an agreement with Newcastle United over sporting director Dan Ashworth in time for the summer, the former Manchester City academy chief will likely lead on the recruitment front.

Ten Hag’s side are back in action on Monday evening following their 1-1 draw against Burnley last Saturday.

With just five games remaining this term, United will have one eye on the FA Cup final already, with the Wembley clash against Manchester City being the only chance of making this season a success.

However, Ten Hag has also explained that he also has a focus on building a relationship with Wilcox ahead of the summer window. There is not much time for the pair to get “aligned”, the manager has said.

INEOS are still working under the assumption that Ten Hag will not depart the club in the summer despite there being serious concerns over the manager. He is involved in the recruitment meetings for the summer window.

“We talk every day from now, from last week. In a very short period, we have to build an intense relationship,” he explained to reporters on Thursday afternoon when asked about the new technical director.

“We are working now on 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.”

On the pitch, however, United must find some sort of form behind them, and Crystal Palace on Monday will not be a simple task.

Oliver Glasner’s side are unbeaten in their last four games with three wins and a draw, including a surprise victory against Liverpool at Anfield.

Following on from this upcoming clash, Ten Hag’s men have games against Newcastle United, Arsenal and Brighton before they can allow full focus on the FA Cup final.